Natural Estrogen

Natural estrogen is produced by the ovaries throughout various stages of a woman’s sexual development and maturity. It is responsible for stimulating the uterine lining, ovaries and breasts. Estrogen is also produced in small quantities in male. Scientists are still learning the roles that this chemical fulfills throughout the body, including the development of the brain. Estrogen is often mistaken as being interchangeable with estradiol, a predominant hormone that is responsible for sexual function and development.

Food High in Natural Estrogen

Natural estrogen or phytoestrogens are those that are found in plant products and are then transferred to many foods in our diet. Researchers have identified three types of phytoestrogens, isoflavones, lignans and coumestans. When you consume these products phytoestrogens will act the same way your naturally produced estrogen would.

Category

Food

Nuts and Seeds

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  • Flaxseed is one of the best dietary sources of phytoestrogen with 379,380 mcg for every 100g serving.
  • Sesame seeds contain around 8000 mcg per 100g serving.
  • Pistachios, sunflower seeds and chestnuts all contain around 200 mcg.
  • Almonds contain about 130 mcg.
  • Cashews, walnuts and hazelnuts all contain phytoestrogen.

Vegetables

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  • Vegetables including collard greens, winter squash, green beans and cabbage contain 80-00 mcg.
  • Alfalfa sprouts contain 440 mcg for every 100g serving.
  • Bok Choy, asparagus, green peppers, carrots, zucchini and potatoes also contain phytoestrogens.

Grains and Cereals

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  • Grains such as oats, wheat, rye and barley all contain phytoestrogens.
  • Cereals that contain brown rice, multigrain bagels and bread can also contain up to 4800 mcg for every 100g serving.

Soy Products

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Soy contains a great deal of isoflavones that stimulate estrogen production in the body.

Consuming soy products such as tofu, soy nuts, soy yogurt, soy milk, soy nut butter or artificial meat substances that are made from soy will help to decrease serum cholesterol while providing the body with a healthy source of phytoestrogens.

Herbs

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Research has indicated that some herbs can help to boost natural hormone levels in the body. Phytoestrogens can be found in dried or fresh parsley, anise seed, red clover, thyme, licorice, turmeric, sage, verbena and hops.

Flaxseed Products

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Flaxseed has some of the highest natural sources of lignans in the world, providing the body with high sources of phytoestrogens.

  • Flax can be ground and added to baked goods or cereals.
  • Flax may also be taken in supplement form to gain these benefits.
  • Many omega-3 eggs come from chickens fed flaxseed which will also provide you with a good source of phytoestrogens.

Benefits of Natural Estrogen

Natural estrogen is essential for body health. There are lots of health benefits of consuming foods that containing natural estrogen.

  • Bone Quality. Estrogen helps to produce osteoblasts that help to protect the bone tissue and is one of the hormones that work with calcium and vitamin D to protect against bone loss. As the body’s estrogen levels lessen over time, your risk of developing osteoporosis will increase, which is one of the reasons why women will begin estrogen replacement therapy early in menopause.
  • Cardiovascular Benefits. Estrogen increases high density lipoprotein, your “good” cholesterol, while lowering your low density lipoprotein, your “bad” cholesterol to help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries that will eventually lead to cardiovascular disease. Adequate estrogen levels will relax dilated blood vessels, promoting blood flow throughout the body. Estrogen has also been noted in the improvement of brain function, a risk that increases in women that must have their ovaries removed due to the risk of cancer. These women will often undergo estrogen replacement therapy to reduce the risk of damage, though this is not currently recommended to improve cardiovascular health.
  • Help with Menopause. Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbance can often be improved or alleviated with estrogen replacement. Vaginal estrogen therapy may also be used to alleviate vaginal dryness caused by the thinning urethra.
  • Healthy Skin. Estrogen increases blood circulation to the skin to promote faster healing helps the body maintain moisture-retention capacity and skin elasticity. Products that contain estrogen have also been shown to decelerate progression of baldness in men and cure acne.
  • Sexual Health. Vaginal dryness, the absence of an orgasmic experience or painful intercourse is often linked to a decline in estrogen and can be improved with estrogen therapy.
  • Sleep Quality. As estrogen levels decrease during menopause it can cause night sweats and hot flashes that can make it difficult for women to sleep peacefully. Estrogen therapy can help to reduce these symptoms so it is easier to get a full night’s sleep.
  • Digestive Health. An adequate supply of estrogen helps the body to absorb nutrients from food. Postmenopausal women will often undergo estrogen therapy to prevent calcium deficiencies that can endanger bone health.