Estrogen is a hormone produced by the bodies of both men and women, but it plays its primary role in the female reproductive system. It also provides cardiovascular protection and plays a role in bone health, according to Cornell University. Some foods contain estrogen-like compounds known as phytoestrogens. Foods with the highest amounts of estrogen, or phytoestrogen, include seeds, soy and sprouts.
Seeds
A number of edible seeds are high in estrogen. Flaxseed contains the highest amount, according to the Dietary Fiber Foods website. The primary estrogen compound found in flaxseed is lignan. The lignan in flaxseed is converted in the body into enterolactone and enterodiol, breast cancer protective, hormone-like substances. The lignan in flaxseed has also been shown to help improve ovulation in women, according to the World's Healthiest Food website. Other seeds with estrogen include sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
Soy
Soyfoods have been studied extensively because of their naturally occurring estrogen-like compounds. Soyfoods are high in isoflavones. Isoflavones bind to estrogen receptors in the body and exhibit weak estrogen-like activity, according to an article published in Nutrition Journal in 2008 by Mark Messina. The isoflavones found in soyfoods are protective against heart disease, improve bone health and offer relief of symptoms related to menopause, reports the RD411 website. Soy beans contain the highest known amount of estrogen, but tofu, soy milk and soy yogurt also contain significant amounts.
Sprouts
Sprouts, such as alfalfa, clover and mung bean, contain high amounts of estrogen. Cornell University reports alfalfa and clover sprouts contain the highest amount of the estrogen compound coumestan. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center says people with estrogen-sensitive cancers should avoid alfalfa because the estrogen content has been shown to exacerbate cancer cells in vitro. They do mention, however, these effects have not been reproduced in humans.
References
- Cornell University: Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer
- Dietary Fiber Food: Phystoestrogens and Its Food Sources
- World's Healthies Foods: Flaxseed
- "Nutrition Journal"; Soy Isoflavones, Estrogen Therapy, and Breast Cancer Risk: Analysis and Commentary; M. Messina; 2008
- RD411: Soyfoods: What Your Patients Should Know
