Estrogen is a naturally occurring hormone produced in women. It is important for maintaining a healthy body and to prevent conditions such as menopause and cardiovascular diseases. Increasing the amount of estrogen in the body can be achieved with synthetic drugs, hormone replacement therapy or by increasing the amount of foods containing high levels of phytoestrogen, a natural plant source of estrogen. Foods containing phytoestrogen have specific shelf lives and can degrade rapidly over time. Store and prepare foods properly to avoid losing important health benefits. Keep foods in seal-tight bags in a cool area or in the fridge.
Step 1
Cook foods with herbs and spices that contain natural phytoestrogens, such as garlic, clover or parsley, to increase estrogen levels. Wash food containing phytoestrogen, such as soya beans or tofu, carefully with cool running water or in a bowl containing tepid water. Prevent overcooking or frying at high temperatures as this will denature the proteins and decrease the amount of estrogen in the foods. The best method of preparing food is by light steaming or eating food raw.
Step 2
Increase the amount of isoflavones. Isoflavones are naturally occurring forms of estrogen or phytoestrogens found in plant sources, such as soya beans and tofu. They possess weaker potency than the hormone estrogen produced in the human body. Eating more soya-containing proteins, such as soya milk and miso, can help increase the level of estrogen in the body.
Step 3
Add flax, multivitamins and supplements to the diet to increase estrogen levels. Make an estrogen protein shake or juice by grinding flaxseeds and blending with soya milk and honey. Add a few tablespoons of soya protein to the mix. Serve with a tofu dish or soya bread and snacks. Always consult your medical doctor before changing or adding herbs or supplements to your diet.
Tips and Warnings
- Create colorful and tasty dishes with a variety of phytoestrogen foods for kids to enjoy. Check out healthy recipe books and experiment with ways to cook and eat plant source foods. Quick stir-fry or grilling are healthy ways to cook foods and maintain their protein content.
- Consult your doctor or medical provider before changing your diet to include herbal therapies or supplements to avoid any adverse reactions to prescription medications.
Things You'll Need
- Soya beans
- Tofu
- Soya milk
- Flaxseeds
