Phytoestrogens are substances found in plants that resemble the hormone estrogen. Although their effects on the body are not as strong as synthetic, pharmaceutical estrogen, phytoestrogens do appear to have an effect. Natural health expert Dr. Andrew Weil claims that phytoestrogens may have beneficial effects on health. Many foods contain very small amounts of phytoestrogens; however, certain foods have a high phytoestrogen content. Phytoestrogens cannot cure or prevent any disease.
Soy Foods
Soy foods, including soybeans, soy milk and tofu, contain high amounts of phytoestrogens in the form of isoflavones. Some natural health advocates, such as Dr. Andrew Weil, believe that phytoestrogens may have beneficial effects for women's health in particular. Weil says that soy may protect women from estrogen-related health problems such as uterine fibroids and endometriosis, possibly by blocking the stronger effects of the woman's natural estrogen.
Flaxseed
Flaxseeds have the highest concentration of phytoestrogens of any food, according to the website Dietary Fiber Food. Flaxseeds contain a type of phytoestrogen called lignans, which may help protect against heart disease and breast and prostate cancer. Lignans are also a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins which help protect the body from damage associated with the aging process. It can be difficult to consume a large amount of flaxseeds, but flaxseed oil capsules are available.
Garlic
Garlic is also rich in phytoestrogens, although it does not contain as much as soy or flaxseed. Garlic and its relatives, onions, leeks, chives and shallots, all contain phytoestrogens, according to herbalist Susun Weed. Garlic pills are available and are also promoted as having benefits for heart health, but Weed claims that dietary sources of garlic are used by the body more effectively.
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