phytoestrogens

24 videos

Topic summary contributed by volunteer(s): Sandra

Phytoestrogens are estrogen-like compounds found in a variety of plant foods such as beans, seeds, and grains, though they are concentrated in soy foods and flax. Phytoestrogens appear to be helpful in the prevention of diabetes and cancers of the colon, liver, brain, breast, ovaries, and skin. “Bad” cholesterol appears to be reduced, cardiovascular risk decreased, and weight loss increased when they are consumed. Soy phytoestrogens do not decrease male fertility; however, xenoestrogens, which are found mainly in fish, have been shown to drastically lower sperm counts. Replacing dairy with soy may decrease abdominal fat.

The information on this page has been compiled from the research presented in the videos listed. Sources for each video can be found by going to the video’s page and clicking on the Sources Cited tab.

All Videos for Phytoestrogens

Should Women with Fibroids Avoid Soy?

When it comes to uterine fibroids, is soy harmful, harmless, or helpful?

How to Convert Into an Equol Producer

Certain gut bacteria can supercharge the benefits of soy foods, resulting in even more bone protection, better control of menopausal symptoms, and lower prostate cancer risk, but how can we foster the growth of these good bacteria?

Soy Phytoestrogens for Menopause Hot Flashes

Does soy food consumption explain why Japanese women appear to be so protected from hot flash symptoms?

How to Block Breast Cancer’s Estrogen-Producing Enzymes

What happens to hormone levels in women and men randomized to drink soy milk?

How to Treat Endometriosis with Seaweed

Five cents’ worth of seaweed a day may dramatically improve a major cause of disability and compromised quality of life among women.

Should Women at High Risk for Breast Cancer Avoid Soy?

Which dietary changes could reduce free radical damage and also improve DNA repair in women with mutated BRCA genes?

Is Soy Healthy for Breast Cancer Survivors?

What role do soy phytoestrogens play in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer?

Who Shouldn’t Eat Soy?

How can soy foods have it both ways with pro-estrogenic effects in some organs that can protect bones and reduce hot flash symptoms, yet also anti-estrogenic effects in others that protect against breast and endometrial cancer?

What Are the Effects of the Hops Phytoestrogen in Beer?

When it comes to breast cancer risk, does the phytoestrogen in beer act more like the animal estrogens in Premarin or the protective phytoestrogens in soy?

The Most Potent Phytoestrogen Is in Beer

The reason women who handle hops start menstruating is because of a phytoestrogen that ends up in beer, called 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN).