Phytoestrogens of plant origin. What foods contain phytoestrogens?

Estrogens are sex hormones produced by the ovaries of a woman. This process is continuous. It begins during puberty and lasts until menopause. That is, estrogens are produced throughout the woman's reproductive age. These hormones exert an active influence not only on the reproductive system, but also on the entire organism as a whole. Such an attractive roundness and softness of female forms for the opposite sex depends on the level of estrogens, they influence the formation and distribution in the body of fat cells according to the female type. Also, hormones are responsible for the absorption of calcium, the growth of bones and even for the heart rhythm. Therefore, the deficiency of estrogen in the body has a detrimental effect on health in general. This is especially true for women after menopause, during this period, the production of such hormones in the body practically ceases. In this case phytoestrogens of plant origin will come to the rescue.

What is phytoestrogens?

These are phytohormones that are produced in plants and regulate their growth and development. Completely to replace natural estrogens such substances, certainly, can not, but they can essentially improve state of health in various cases. During the menopause, phytoestrogens for women are particularly useful, such substances prevent the development of ailments of the cardiovascular system, prevent the leaching of calcium from the bones. Under the influence of phytoestrogens, aging of the skin slows down, the exchange processes in the dermis are normalized, its excessive dryness and wrinkling are prevented.

Phytoestrogens in food

In what products are phytoestrogens contained in the greatest quantity? Speaking about these substances, most often mentioned soy and soy products. To date, soy - phytoestrogen is number one of all known science. Maybe this explains the remarkable appearance of Japanese and Chinese women? And that's why in these countries the level of cardiovascular ailments is much lower than in Europe? On nutritional value, soy protein is similar to the protein we get from milk and meat. But, unlike these products, soy practically does not contain cholesterol. In addition, soy lecithin improves memory and concentration. However, you should know that in some cases, the use of soy is contraindicated, namely - with endocrinological diseases, ailments of the genitourinary sphere, pregnancy.

Beans, lentils, kidney beans, peas - all these are also foods rich in phytoestrogens.

Since ancient times, we know about the beneficial properties of flax seed, which is an excellent source of not only essential fatty acids, but also active phytoestrogens. Extraction of flax seeds is used in pharmaceuticals in preparations for women, which help to soften and eliminate unpleasant menopausal manifestations.

Cereals are plant phytoestrogens, among them wheat stands out. Also phytohormones contain oats, lentils, millet. In addition, bran is very useful.

Another plant that helps to maintain women's health is cabbage. All her varieties are rich in phytoestrogens, but most of all - colored and broccoli.

Seeds and nuts are also an additional source of these substances, in addition, these products are rich in protein and essential amino acids.

An invaluable source of phytohormones are dairy products. Herbivorous animals feed on plants, so give milk rich in phytoestrogens. Also, useful substances are contained in sour cream and cottage cheese. But most of all they are in hard cheese. This is due to the fact that, firstly, this dairy product is made from natural milk, and secondly - many types of cheese contain so-called cheese mold, and these fungi are themselves a source of phytoestrogens.

Plants-phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens in one form or another contain almost all plants.

Red clover

It contains phytoestrogens of plant origin, such as cumestans and isoflavanoids. Extracts and infusions of red clover are used to mitigate menopausal manifestations. However, one should know that today it is not known exactly how the human body will react to the regular and long-term use of this plant.

Alfalfa

The plant contains phytoestrogens formononetin and couestrol. Scientists have not yet fully determined what effect these substances have on a person.

Linen

Its seeds are a source of lignans, which, penetrating the intestine, are converted into enterolactone and entero-diol. The action of these elements is similar to the action of isoflavones.

Liquorice root

The plant contains glabridin. Today, scientists are researching its effect on cancer cells. It is known that in a low concentration this substance stimulates the growth of cancer, and in a large amount glabridin suppresses it.

Red grapes

The plant contains resverantol, which is a phytoestrogen and plays the role of an antioxidant.

Hop

Contains substance 8-prenylnaringenin - highly active phytoestrogen. Women whose work is associated with the harvesting or processing of hops, often observed violations of the menstrual cycle.

Red brush and hog uterus

It is also phytoestrogens, which have a powerful effect on the reproductive function of women.

Leaves of black currant and raspberry

In addition to a large amount of vitamin C, they contain flavanoids. After fermentation, the leaves of these plants can be used as an alternative to black tea.

Herb Yarrow

The plant contains phytosterol. Infusions of yarrow stimulate menstruation and strengthen blood vessels.

Shepherd's Bag

The broth of this herb helps stop bleeding.

Cuff Common

The composition contains phytosterol. The plant tones up the female body and normalizes the menstrual cycle.

Sage

Infusion of the plant helps to regulate menstruation and reduce sweating with menopause.

What medicines contain phytoestrogens?

Drugs should contain a sufficiently large amount of phytoestrogens, so that the result is noticeable. Concerning the choice of medication, it is advisable to consult a specialist. All medicines of this kind contain phytoestrogens of plant origin, the most effective of them are the following:

1. "Klimaktoplan", "Klimadinon", "Remens". In the composition of these preparations there is an extract of tsimitsifugi. Medications are used to correct psychoemotional and vegetative-vascular disorders during the menopause, as well as to normalize the menstrual cycle and fat metabolism.

2. "Climafen." The drug contains phytoestrogens of hops and red clover, reduces menopausal hot flashes, osteoporotic manifestations, has an antioxidant effect, restores elasticity to the skin.

3. "Dopellerts is an active menopause." The composition of the drug includes soy isoflavones, thanks to which the restructuring of the hormonal background of the body to a woman is much easier to carry.

4. "Cedar Force". It is a protein-vitamin complex containing flax lignans. The action of the remedy is aimed at preventing tumor processes and replenishment of the estrogen deficiency during menopause.

Beer makes men feminine

This alcoholic beverage contains phytoestrogens of plant origin. And their amount is almost the same as in soy protein. However, beer by its nature harms the body, so it's not about any good here it does not go.

Most men who regularly drink this drink have outstanding tummies and fatty deposits. The reason for this is phytoestrogen, which acts in the same way as the female sex hormone.

The natural increase in fat deposits in women is conceived by nature, this is due to the carrying of the baby, so that in any situation he and his mother have enough nutrients. A man should have a hormone testosterone, then his body will not be round, but muscular and relief. Women also should not abuse this drink, because it can develop other health problems. A useful substitute for beer can be ordinary kvass, which contains malt, also rich in phytoestrogens.

Effect of phytoestrogens on the body

According to most scientists, phytoestrogens for women are extremely useful. They are necessary for:

• Prevention of vascular ailments (isoflavones regulate fat metabolism);

• Prevention of osteoporosis (phytoestrogens promote the absorption of phosphorus and calcium, which reduces the probability of fracture of bones);

• Normalization of the psycho-emotional state (the frequency and intensity of the tides is reduced, the pressure is normalized, due to which the sleep improves over time);

• Strengthening immunity (phytoestrogens have an antiviral and antimicrobial effect, which protects the woman's body from infection);

• Prevention of cancer (regularly including in your diet, you can reduce the risk of developing tumors of the mammary glands, skin, colon).

It should be noted that in the presence of chronic inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract, the activation of isoflavones in the intestine slows down, phytoestrogens in this case will not be effective. The same situation is observed with a deficiency of fiber and the predominance of fatty foods in the diet.

The influence of these substances on the human body is still being studied. At the moment, scientists agree that there is no reason to fear phytoestrogens entering into food products. But phytoestrogens-drugs should be taken with caution. And only after consultation with the attending physician.