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Phytoestrogens Is there really anything to be afraid of?

Homepage Articles Phytoestrogens Is there really anything to be afraid of?

Phytoestrogens Is there really anything to be afraid of?

Researchers are focused not only on identifying potential health benefits, such as protecting against certain chronic diseases or alleviating menopausal symptoms, but also on analysing the risks that may arise from excessive or inappropriate consumption of these compounds. Phytoestrogens, naturally occurring plant compounds, play an important role in human life. To fully understand how phytoestrogenes can promote health, it is important to look closely at their types, sources and mechanisms of action in humans. Their effects on human health are complex and multifaceted, and are the subject of intense research worldwide.

Table of Contents

1. What are phytoestrogens?

Canivenc-Lavier, C. Phytoestrogens are a group of naturally occurring plant compounds that because of their chemical structure and biological action are similar to estrogen, or female sex hormones produced by animal organisms, including humans.

2. It's the phytoestrogens

Phytoestrogens can be divided into 3 main groups which differ in origin and chemical structure.

3. Additionally, the following information shall be provided:

Coumestane is less common than other isoflavones, but it can be found in some plants, such as conichin. It is also known as genistein, daidein, and glycine, and is one of the most well-known phytoestrogens, mainly because of its abundance in soybeans and soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and soybean.

4. I'm not going to say anything about it

They are found in flaxseeds, whole grain cereals, vegetables, and fruits, and when consumed, they are converted by the gut microbiome into estrogen-like compounds.

5. Sources of phytoestrogens

Desmawati, D. Phytoestrogens are found in many products of plant origin, primarily: soybeans and their processing: tofu, tempeh, soy sauce, soybean drink; nuts and seeds: primarily flaxseeds, but also potatoes or sunflower seeds;

6. Beneficial effects of phytoestrogens on health

Phytoestrogens have complex effects on human health, and their effects can be both beneficial and undesirable, depending on individual factors such as age, gender, health status, but also on the way you consume them and the amount you take.

7. Relieving the symptoms of menopause

As a result, isoflavones can significantly relieve menopause symptoms, reduce hot flashes, improve quality of sleep, and reduce vaginal dryness, which translates to overall improvement in comfort (M.N. Lin, C.F. Menopause is a natural phase in a woman's life that is often associated with symptoms caused by falling estrogen levels (e.g., night fever).

8. The impact on the hydrocarbon economy

Their antioxidant properties may also protect against oxidative stress, which prevents diabetes complications such as damage to blood vessels and nerves. While the results of the studies are promising to better understand these mechanisms of action, further observations are needed (M. Phytoestrogens may have a beneficial effect on carbohydrate management, which is key to effective management of diabetes and insulin resistance.

9. Translation in English:

They bind to estrogen receptors, thereby positively affecting lipid metabolism and increasing the flexibility of blood vessels. Due to these properties, phytoestrogens are a valuable element in the prevention of heart disease (D.D. Good cardiovascular fitness is the foundation of general health, and phytosterogens play an important role in its optimization).

10. Reducing the risk of certain cancers

Additionally, there are reports that they may also support cancer therapy and improve treatment outcomes (I.J., Rowe, R.J. Phytoestrogens may reduce the risk of cancer, especially hormone-dependent ones such as breast, prostate, or ovarian. Baber 2021).

11. Improving the condition of the skin

In addition, they can regulate sebum production, which is beneficial for people with acne and other skin problems (E.D. Naftolin 2021). With their antioxidant properties, they protect the skin from the negative effects of UV rays, which contributes to delaying aging processes and reducing wrinkles. Lephart, F. Phytoestrogens also have a significant effect on health and appearance, improving moisture and increasing flexibility by stimulating collagen production.

12. Worries about phytoestrogen intake

However, it has not been observed that the typical intake of phytoestrogens from natural sources produces such effects (e.g. The safe dose of phytosterogens to be taken daily is 50100 mg. Hertzler et al. 2020). It is worth consulting a doctor or dietitian to make sure that the medicines taken are well absorbed (M. Roca 2020). There is concern, mainly among men, that excess phytestrogen can also affect the hormonal economy, leading to adverse changes and, as a result, to so-called feminization.
Source

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Chen M.N., Lin C.C., Liu C.F., Efficacy of phytoestrogens for menopausal symptoms: A meta-analysis and systematic review, „Climacteric” 2015, 18, 260–269.
Desmawati D., Sulastri D., Phytoestrogens and Their Health Effect, „Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences” 2019, 7(3), 495–499.
Glisic M. et al., Associations between Phytoestrogens, Glucose Homeostasis, and Risk of Diabetes in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, „Advances in Nutrition” 2018, 9(6), 726–740.
Hertzler S.R. et al., Plant Proteins: Assessing Their Nutritional Quality and Effects on Health and Physical Function, „Nutrients” 2020, 12(12), 3704.
Lephart E.D., Naftolin F., Menopause and the Skin: Old Favorites and New Innovations in Cosmeceuticals for Estrogen-Deficient Skin, “Dermatology and Therapy” 2021, 11(1), 53–69.
Martiniakova M., Babikova M., Omelka R., Pharmacological agents and natural compounds: available treatments for osteoporosis, „Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology” 2020, 71(3), 307–320.
Ramdath D.D. et al., Beyond the Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of Soy Protein:A Review of the Effects of Dietary Soy and Its Constituents on Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease, „Nutrients” 2017, 9(4), 324.
Reed K.E. et al., Neither soy nor isoflavone intake affects male reproductive hormones: An expanded and updated meta-analysis of clinical studies, „Reproductive Toxicology” 2021, 100, 60–67.
Rowe I.J., Baber R.J., The effects of phytoestrogens on postmenopausal health, „Climacteric” 2021, 24(1), 57–63.
Torrens-Mas M., Roca P., Phytoestrogens for Cancer Prevention and Treatment, „Biology” 2020, 9(12), 427.