Estrogen is a very important hormone for your body. Regardless if you are a male or female, estrogen plays a role in your reproductive capabilities, joint and bone health, cholesterol levels and even in your cognitive ability report scientists at the University of Florida. Many women who go through menopause become deficient in estrogen and look for ways to increase their levels before restoring to estrogen replacement therapy. If this is you or if you just want to increase your estrogen levels, you should become familiar with the foods that are rich in estrogen.
Soy Products
You may already know that soy beans and foods made from soy beans are rich in phytoestrogens. Soy foods are among the sources on the Dietary Fiber Food list of foods that have the highest concentration of phytoestrogens. According to Dietary Fiber Food, phytoestogens are linked to a decreased risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and many types of cancer. Additionally, soy foods have "isoflavones" that are dietary agents that can prevent the development of breast cancer according to researchers at Wake Forest University. Ask you medical practitioner about a soy protein dietary supplement if you are trying to increase your estrogen and protein consumption. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, soy protein -- whether obtained in dietary supplement or whole food -- can offer than same benefits as your natural estrogen.
Flax Seed
Dietary Fiber Food lists flax seed as the number one most hightly concentrated food source of phytoestrogens. Additionally, the "American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" reports that flax seed is the number one source of lignans. Lignans are a specific type of phytoestrogen that also act as antioxidants. Dietary Fiber Food claims that high levels of lignans in the body are linked with a reduced risk of ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, osteoporosis and heart disease. If you want an easy way to add estrogen and the benefits of flax seed, ask your physician about a flax seed oil supplement.
Hummus With Garlic
Hummus is a food that is rich in phytoestrogens according to Dietary Fiber Food. Most hummus dips are made with garlic which are a highly concentrated source of phytoestrogens and lignans. Consider replacing traditional high-fat dips with hummus with garlic and whole grain pita bread which are also rich in phytoestrogens.
References
- University of New Mexico: Gender Differences in Fat Metabolism
- Dietary Fiber Food: Phytoestrogen and Its Food Sources
- Dietary Fiber Food: Foods High in Lignans
- Breast Cancer Organization: Soy Intake and Breast Cancer
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Soy Isoflavones
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Does Soy Protein Provide the Same Benefits as Estrogen?
