Does plant phytoestrogen have an effect on humans?

There exists a misconception surrounding phytoestrogens, suggesting that they may have adverse effects on humans, particularly in men. Nevertheless, it is important to clarify that certain plant compounds, known as phytoestrogens, can have a positive impact on human health. These naturally occurring compounds bear a structural resemblance to the hormone estrogen and can engage with estrogen receptors within the human body.

The influence of phytoestrogens on human health is not uniform and can be contingent on various factors, including the dosage consumed, the specific phytoestrogen compound, and the individual’s overall health and hormonal status.

Research has demonstrated that moderate consumption of phytoestrogens, such as those abundantly present in soy products, can contribute to hormonal regulation and alleviate menopausal symptoms in women. Additionally, some studies suggest that phytoestrogens may play a role in reducing the risk of breast and prostate cancer.

Among the most prevalent types of phytoestrogens found in various foods are:

  1. Isoflavones: These are the most widely recognized phytoestrogens and are notably concentrated in soybeans and soy-based products, such as tofu and soy milk.
  2. Lignans: Abundant in flax seeds, whole grains, as well as certain fruits and vegetables.
  3. Coumestans: Found in legumes like clover and alfalfa, along with some sprouted seeds.
  4. Stilbenes: Present in items like red wine, grapes, and peanuts.
  5. Coumestrol: Discovered in alfalfa sprouts, clover sprouts, and certain beans.

It is crucial to understand that each type of phytoestrogen boasts a distinct structure and interacts with estrogen receptors in varying ways, leading to diverse effects that can differ from one individual to another. The potency of different phytoestrogens can also vary, with outcomes influenced by the hormonal status of the person in question

I have been eating a vegan diet all my life and a lot of soya with no side effects whatsoever. The false information is fed to people by the anti-vegan industry because they know their chemicals that they feed their cows, chickens and pigs are more detrimental to human health than phytoestrogens.

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About the Author: Antonius

I studied agriculture at the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa in 1984 and completing my M.Sc Agric. in 1998. . My love for "Controlled Environmental Agriculture" (CEA), started in my third year when I was exposed to the Welgevallen Research Station. There Prof. P.C.Maree showed us what hydroponics and vegetable farming consisted of. It was awesome. There were no large tractors involved, no dusty fields, no uncontrollable storms to destroy your crop (well that is what I thought). Since then I put hydroponics and other aspects of horticulture to much better use, not just farming. We solved pollution problems by cleaning mines effluent with hydroponics and permaculture. They were used to remove toxic metals to produce clean water (which we sold and make more money of than the produce). What I learned from 1987 I tried to compile in this website and I hope it is from some value to the serious commercial farmer that wants to take the journey into Commercial Farming.

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