Phytoestrogens occasionally called "dietary estrogens" are a miscellaneous group of non steroidal compounds which are present in various plants. They have a biochemical resemblance to estradiol. They express the capability to cause estrogenic and/or antiestrogenic properties.
There are two main categories of Phytoestrogens: isoflavones and lignans. They are present in fairly large amounts in flax and soy.
Phytoestrogens may have health benefits for menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis, breast tissue health, cardiovascular health and cancer prevention. These probable health benefits are consistent with epidemiological statistics which illustrate that people who consume plant-based foods have lesser incidences of various cancers, heart disease, menopausal symptoms and osteoporotic fractures.
Plant estrogens are similar to endogenous estrogens. They are capable of binding with estrogen receptors. Depending on circulating levels of endogenous body produced sex hormones, Phytoestrogens may exercise estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects at the same time.
Phytoestrogens may also lessen serum cholesterol, improve endothelial function, restrain a number of stages of cancer initiation and development, support the protection of bone mass and positively influence premenstrual and climacteric symptoms.
Phytoestrogens are possible important dietary factors which protect against hormone-dependent cancers and diseases in vegetarians and folks otherwise consuming plenty of plant-based food.
The Journal of American Medical Association has published a study in 2005 illustrating the lung cancer prevention effect of Phytoestrogens. In males, isoflavones intake was associated with a 44% decreased risk and phytosterols intake was associated with a 24% decreased risk. In females, the most impressive protective effect was seen with entire intake of Phytoestrogens at 34%. Interestingly, the relations between high Phytoestrogens intake and reduced risk of developing lung cancer were found in those who never smoked as well as in currently smoking participants.
American females have a breast cancer and endometrial cancer rate that is 4 to 10 times higher than Japanese women. In the Australian study of pre and postmenopausal women, higher intake of Phytoestrogens drastically reduced the risk of developing breast cancer. There are data that intake of 40 to 80 mg a day of isoflavones helps for vasomotor symptoms. 50 mg a day may benefit for bone health and cholesterol reduction. 50 mg of isoflavones are present in approximately 25 grams of soy protein.
In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 76 postmenopausal women, and supplementation with soy isoflavones, Phytoestrogens was found to advance mood and cognitive performance. Significant improvement of 6 out of 17 scores on the cognitive performance test, and all 6 scores for mood assessment test have been documented. Therefore, this study suggests that supplementation with isoflavones may augment mood and cognitive performance in postmenopausal females.
