Phytoestrogens, or plant estrogens, are natural substances with estrogen-like activity.
Phytoestrogens are commonly divided into three main classes:
- isoflavones
- cumestans
- lignans
- (a fourth category, consisting of lactones, has little therapeutic value)
In the plant world they are ubiquitous (present in at least 300 varieties of plants, of which few are edible). Food sources include soy, legumes and, albeit to a lesser extent, many types of fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
Soy, its derivatives (flour, soy milk, tofu) and red clover are the main commercial sources of phytoestrogens.
soy and
derivatives
flax seed
and sesame
integral
fruit
and vegetables
cereals
All about phytoestrogens
See also
Functions and properties
Given the biological conditions, the fields of application of phytoestrogens are many. These substances, in fact, have a double property: antioxidant on the one hand and estrogenic on the other (they reduce both disturbances due to estrogen deficiency, and those attributable to their excess).
The nutritional and therapeutic role of foods or dietary supplements rich in phytoestrogens has been investigated, first of all, on the basis of simple epidemiological observations on Asian populations (whose diet is particularly rich in soy). From the examination of these data, and from their comparison with the Western counterparts, it emerged a lower incidence of disorders associated with menopause, a lower cardiovascular risk, a lower rate of breast, endometrial and ovarian cancers, as well as a lower percentage of osteoporotic hip fractures.
Hence, the proposal to use a "food supplement of phytoestrogens in:
- prevention and treatment of symptoms (hot flashes, dry genitals, wrinkles, hair fragility) and diseases related to menopause (natural alternatives to hormone replacement therapy);
- prevention of premenstrual syndrome and aging (thanks to the antioxidant action);
- mastodynia therapy (neuralgic pain in the breast);
- prevention of cardiovascular diseases (reduction of blood pressure and improvement of lipid structure, ↑ HDL cholesterol ↓ total cholesterol ↓ LDL ↓ triglycerides);
- improvement of bone metabolism;
- antineoplastic potential.
The last point is rather delicate; despite the interest of researchers is high, certainties are still lacking on the possible anticancer activities of phytoestrogens.
Even the favorable action on hot flashes does not seem to have great clinical relevance. The positive effects on the plasma concentration of lipoproteins seem certain now (but it is not yet clear whether the active compounds involved in protecting against cardiovascular risk are isoflavones or other substances. contained in soy).
The protective role of phytoestrogens in the onset of osteoporosis is awaiting clinical confirmation, but it already enjoys excellent epidemiological and experimental conditions.
Phytoestrogens: action and diet "
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