Benefits of Estrogen Rich Foods
Any woman who is premenopausal or menopausal knows the effects that dropping hormonal levels place on the body and mind; one way to counteract these effects is to indulge in estrogen rich foods. By replacing the natural estrogen with plant based estrogen, there have been noticeable improvements of menopausal symptoms noted in some women. The estrogen qualities of the plants can be in the form of either phytoestrogens or phytosterols.
In years past, hormone therapy was administered to women when the drop in reproductive hormones took place. However, it was discovered that a myriad of tragic side effects accompanied these hormones, such as increased risks of breast cancer and increased opportunities for cardiovascular diseases, and the prescriptions for hormone replacement drugs were largely discontinued. Some menopausal women found the symptoms of this natural stage of life to be unbearable; not only in a physical aspect but also mental and cognitive areas, as well. These same women have realized a marked decrease in these symptoms by including foods with phytoestrogens or phytosterols to their diets.
What are plant based estrogens?
Certain plants contain components that mimic the hormonal behavior of estrogen or progesterone; both vital hormones in women during the reproductive years. Some of these plants may stimulate the pituitary gland to produce gonadatropins; others stimulate contractions of the uterus and still others enhance circulation in the pelvic area and the uterus. For centuries, specific plants have been used as natural remedies for women’s ailments because of these properties.
Best foods containing phytoestrogens.
In order to take advantage of these hormone enhancing qualities, women must learn the different types of estrogen rich foods. Soy products are highly touted as foods that contain rich stores of natural estrogen, and are easily adapted into recipes using soymilk, soybeans, tofu and more. Grains have always been known to be beneficial with their fiber content, but grains such as millet, flax, rye and barley are equally as healthy for adding phytoestrogens into the diet. Legumes are also great choices; kidney beans, lentils, limas and chickpeas are incredible alternatives to cholesterol laden meats while providing high levels of plant based estrogens for women. Fennel is a vegetable that is growing in popularity for its delicious flavor and versatile nature, but it is also providing phytoestrogens with every flavorful bite.
Though perhaps not as rich in plant estrogen as the above mentioned foods, many of our more common vegetables also provide this valuable hormone replacement. Broccoli, cauliflower, cucumbers, Brussels sprouts, squash, beets, bok choy, carrots and mushrooms contain phytoestrogens, as do apples, pears, cherries, olives and tomatoes.
Phytosterol rich foods.
The best sources for phytosterols, or estrogen rich foods, are natural oils, nuts, seeds and legumes. Foods high in phytosterols pack a double whammy of health benefits for women; not only are they beneficial for providing estrogen like effects, but they are also invaluable for reducing levels of blood cholesterol. Vegetable oils that are not hydrogenated are the key, as these provide a natural composition. Adding cashews, Brazil nuts, pistachios, walnuts, peanuts and almonds to your diet will increase the plant estrogen factor, as will consuming seeds like flax, poppy, sesame, pumpkin and sunflower.
It is inevitable that women will experience some discomfort when entering the menopausal stage of life, but it is not necessary to suffer from the decrease of hormone production when it is possible to add estrogen rich foods to their diets. These foods have multiple beneficial characteristics, but helping to ease the symptoms associated with menopause, both physical and mental, will be a welcome addition to the lives of premenopausal and menopausal women.