In the life of every woman, alas, such a period as menopause begins. At the same time, many body systems are under attack, and therefore, estrogen replacement therapy has long been used. But not everyone agrees to take synthetic drugs. Recently, a lot of discussion about the properties of estrogen from plants. From time to time, phytoestrogens are declared a panacea, although sometimes we see articles by scientists criticizing the benefits of these substances. So what is known about phytoestrogens?
These are very weakly active hormonal substances that are produced by plants. Pharmacologists have learned to isolate and concentrate them, and these drugs are sold on the market. They are touted as a remedy for menopausal symptoms. However, how safe are they? Is it true that they can cause breast cancer?
We have heard that a large number of hormones - whether in the form of drugs supplied with meat fed by animal hormones or secreted by the body, increases the likelihood of cancer, especially breast and liver cancer. However, what can be said in this regard about phytoestrogens? Is there a danger that we eat them?
Almost all plant foods we eat contain these substances. They are found in cereals, berries, beans, vegetables, nuts, oils, fruits. If you start to eliminate phytoestrogens in foods, there will be almost nothing. This question puzzled scientists, and they began to examine the urine of healthy women for the presence of phytoestrogen breakdown products in it. So it turned out that those who consumed a lot of these substances fell ill with breast cancer 4 times less often. That is, they protect us from cancer, and you should not be afraid.
What could be simpler than the formula “use phytoestrogens in foods and be healthy”? If they were used only with food, then no questions would arise. But there are dietary supplements with phytoestrogens, and even sweets in the West. The bad news for pharmaceutical companies is that all phytoestrogens isolated provoke cancer.
Why is this happening? The fact is that phytoestrogens from plants “come complete” with fiber and minerals that make these weak hormones safe. But in dietary supplements they act directly on the body systems, which creates a risk of cancer.
Foods containing phytoestrogens can be eaten in large quantities. There are some herbs. For example, all 4 types of these substances can be obtained from red clover. But it is this herb that is considered the most effective natural remedy against cancer. It has many minerals and ballast substances that help the body process phytoestrogens in the right way. All herbs rich in this substance, except licorice, have an anti-cancer effect. However, phytoestrogens isolated from soy cause breast cancer.
Very phytoestrogens in foods are not absorbed by humans, but beneficial intestinal microorganisms help us with this. Therefore, with dysbiosis it will not work well to absorb these substances. To improve the absorption of phytoestrogens, consume live beer and fermented milk products with live microorganisms.
But herbs with phytoestrogens are more likely medicines, therefore they cannot be consumed without necessity, as far as food is concerned, you can eat food with these substances in large quantities. Phytoestrogens in foods are safe. They are especially numerous in flax seeds, dried apricots, garlic, tofu.
Herbs such as ginseng, don embankment, licorice, red clover, and wild yams should be used with caution by women with ovarian dysfunctions, these are too potent remedies.
So the conclusion is that foods with phytoestrogens can and should be eaten, herbs should be used with caution, but forget about dietary supplements, this is very harmful.