John Boik
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 Saponins are plant compounds that have surfactant properties and, like phytoestrogens, bind to cholesterol and bile acids. Research suggests that various saponins stimulate the immune system, inhibit sarcoma 37 cells in vitro, decrease the growth of human epidermoid and cervical cancer cells in vitro, inhibit Epstein-Barr virus expression, and, like phytoestrogens, reduce abnormal colonic cell proliferation induced by carcinogens (reviewed by Messina and Barnes, 1991). |
Steven G. Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews
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 Indeed, soy is the richest known dietary source of powerful health-promoting phytoestrogens. Soy has been recognized by many researchers as playing a positive role in preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, and osteoporosis as well as helping to relieve menopausal and menstrual symptoms. Moreover, you don't have to eat tons of it to enjoy its considerable advantages. Once you learn about the proven benefits of soy and the simple ways you can incorporate this unique food into your diet, I think you'll become a convert.
Soybeans have been cultivated in China since the eleventh century B.C. |
Neal Barnard, M.D.
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 In these women, phytoestrogens may actually have a slight estrogen effect, which may help reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
Although soy products are particularly rich in phytoestrogens, they are also found in many other legumes, vegetables, and fruits. The more of these foods you include in your routine, the better.
NATURAL PROGESTERONE
During the normal monthly cycle, estrogen dominates during the first half of the month, causing the uterine lining to thicken in anticipation of pregnancy. During the second half of the month, a different hormone, progesterone, dominates. |
Steven G. Pratt, M.D. and Kathy Matthews
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| They also contain phytonutrients such as polyphenols, phytoestrogens, lignins, protease inhibitors, and vitamin E (they're an excellent source of tocotrienols and multiple tocopherols—important members of the vitamin E family). The synergy of the nutrients in oats makes them an outstanding and formidable SuperFood. Indeed, the degree of protection against disease offered by oats and other whole grains is greater than that of any of their ingredients taken in isolation. |
| Beans contain phytoestrogens called "lignins" that have been shown to have estrogenlike properties. Researchers speculate that a high consumption of foods that are rich in lignins may reduce the risk of cancers that are related to estrogen levels—particularly breast cancer. The lignins may also have a chemopreventive effect on cancers of the male reproductive system. There are other compounds in beans called "phy-tates," which may be able to help prevent certain types of intestinal cancer. |
Janet Zand, LAc, OMD, Allan N. Spreed, MD, CNC, James B. LaValle, RPh, ND
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 Increase your consumption of foods rich in phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). Among the best sources of these compounds are soy foods. phytoestrogens appear to function much like natural estrogens in many ways. For example, they have been found to increase cell growth in the vaginal walls and also to raise the body's level of high-density lipoproteins (HDL, the so-called "good cholesterol"). They may also help to decrease the risk of breast and endometrial cancer. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 Inhibition of human aromatase by mammalian lignans and isoflavonoid phytoestrogens. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 1993; 44: 147-153.
272. Cassidy A, Bingham S, Setchell KDR. Biological effects of a diet of soy protein rich in isoflavones on the menstrual cycle of premenopausal women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1994; 60: 333-340.
273. Knight DC, Eden JA. phytoestrogens - a short review. Maturitas 1995; 22:167-175.
274. Murkies AL, Lombard C, Strauss BJG et al. Dietary flour supplementation decreases post-menopausal hot flushes: effect of soy and wheat. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra
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 In women who prefer to avoid pharmaceutical preparations of estrogen, phytoestrogens can be an alternative therapeutic agent. These phytoestrogens are even good for the heart. Studies conducted in China and Japan have shown that people who consume large quantities of phytoestrogen-containing plants have a low incidence of heart attack. Soy products like miso, tofu, and soy milk are traditional in the Japanese diet, and Japanese women experience virtually no menopausal symptoms. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Phytochemicals include alpha-carotene, phytosterols, phytic acid, and phytoestrogens.
Jerusalem Artichoke
Known also as the sunchoke, the Jerusalem artichoke is a tuberous vegetable of the sunflower family. Its underground stem, which resembles ginger root or a small knobby potato, can be dehydrated and ground into flour. Popular in pasta, Jerusalem artichoke flour has a slightly sweet and nutty flavor. It can be used in all baked goods (mix one part to nine parts of any other kind of flour), sprinkled over cereals and yogurt, or blended with fruit and vegetable juices. |
Doris J. Rapp, M.D.
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 Natural Estrogen-Mimicking Substances
There are natural estrogenic-mimickers such as soy products called phytoestrogens. These appear to be better tolerated than the many synthetic chemicals found in so many of today's daily contacts. They are readily excreted from the body in one day in contrast to synthetic estrogens which tend to be stored in the body for years. Unfortunately, we simply do not know nearly enough about how either prenatal and postnatal or synthetic versus natural, estrogenic-mimicking chemicals affect animals or humans. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| The main phytochemicals in whole grains are beta-glucans, lignin, tocotrienols, phytoestrogens, and phytic acid. They help to lower cholesterol and prevent cancer and heart disease.
Combined with legumes and vegetables, whole grains provide complete nourishment.
REFINED GRAINS
Since they were first cultivated, grains have been milled (refined) to make them easier to cook and digest. Milling is a mechanical process in which grinders and rollers remove the hull, bran, and germ, leaving only the endosperm. |
| Phytochemicals include apigenin, tocopherols, beta-sitosterol, chlorogenic acid, luteolin, myristic acid, pectin, squalene, stigmasterol, phytoestrogens, and lignins.
Peanuts
Peanuts, though technically a legume, are usually thought of as nuts. They are a complete protein, and have recently been found to contain resveratrol, the phytonutrient found in red wine that has been shown to help reduce heart disease. |
| Soy contains phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), which may help to compensate for a woman's own declining estrogen. Marine fish contain valuable omega-3 essential fatty acids, which help to combat inflammation, keep the skin supple, and protect the cardiovascular system. Also, avoid alcohol, caffeine, sugar, spicy foods, and hot soups and drinks, which can trigger hot flashes and aggravate mood swings. Sugar, dairy products, and alcohol have been reported to cause severe hot flashes. |
| Once considered a wonder food, soy-based infant formulas are now under attack from some scientists and physicians who predict that infants may develop hormonal imbalances due to the presence of soy isoflavones, which act as phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens). However, many other scientists have stated the opposite. Still, since there are so many alternatives for babies who have problems with milk-based formulas, it might be wiser to stay away from soy-based infant formula. Also, soymilk should not be substituted for soy formula. |
Robert Hass, M.S.
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 PHYTOESTROGEN-RICH FOODS
Soy foods, such as tofu and miso, soy milk, and soy cocktails (highly concentrated drink mixes of cancer-stopping phytoestrogens sold in health-food stores); soy milk; and legumes, such as garbanzo beans and lima beans, contain hormonelike compounds called phytoestrogens, which protect against invasive prostate cancer. These phytonutrients work by enhancing the body's protective natural estrogen activity and thwarting cancer cells from growing and spreading. |
Stephen T., M.D. Sinatra
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| There is also experimental evidence that phytoestrogens also protect against colon cancer. Not only do soy products protect the circulatory system, but the phytoestrogen effect of genistin found in soybeans protects against the bone loss that leads to osteoporosis. For men, these phytoestrogens are especially important in reducing the incidence of prostate cancer. It is noteworthy that Japanese men, whose diet is low in fat and high in soy products, have a low incidence of prostate cancer.
Another nutrient associated with the prevention of prostate cancer is lycopene. |
Doris J. Rapp, M.D.
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| Without considering the immense, potentially adverse effects of chemically-engineered soy, the above indicates we must be much more cautious about exposures to both common natural estrogens and synthetic phytoestrogens until we have more information." (See Chapter 9.)
" Can Chemicals Cause Epidemics?, Doris J. Rapp, M.D. ERF, P. O. Box 60, Buffalo, NY 14223-0060, 800.787.8780, www.drrapp.com.
More about Synthetic Mimicking Substances78"""1
Synthetic feminizing chemicals are found in many pesticides, as well as in items containing phthalates or isophenols. |
Dianne Onstad
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 Fennel also contains substances known as phytoestrogens, weak plant estrogens, which make it useful in treating many female complaints, especially menopause. It also contains the antioxidant flavonoid quetcetin and is therefore anticarcinogenic and of special use for cancer patients following radiation or chemotherapy.
Flower Blossoms and Other Edible Blossoms
General Information
Flower and other edible blossoms invite the eye and delight the hearr. Their fragrance and essential oils, which are related to warmth, add a magical warming touch to a meal. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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| Interaction of estrogenic chemicals and phytoestrogens with estrogen receptor beta. Endocrinology 1998; 139 (10): 4252^263.
270. Adlercreutz H. Western diet and western diseases: some hormonal and biochemical mechanisms and associations. Scandinavian Journal of Clinical and Laboratory Investigations 1990; 50 (201): 3-23.
271. Adlercreutz H, Bannwart C, Wahala K et al. Inhibition of human aromatase by mammalian lignans and isoflavonoid phytoestrogens. Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 1993; 44: 147-153.
272. Cassidy A, Bingham S, Setchell KDR. |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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 Women who are at high risk for osteoporosis should not rely only on soy phytoestrogens to maintain their bone density. (Refer to the Osteoporosis protocol for complete information about maintaining healthy bone integrity.)
More Benefits of Soy Estrogens
The widespread use of insecticides, fungicides, chemicals used in manufacturing, and chlorine-based substances that mimic and mutate estrogen might be a major cause of the breast cancer epidemic. |
| In addition to blocking free-radical damage, soy phytoestrogens also block inflammation, a newly discovered contributor to cancer growth, notably in the colon (Davis et al. 2001; Zheng et al. 2002).
The effects of genistein against the activation of EGFR by free radicals were demonstrated in a study from Boston University. In this study, genistein reversed the free-radical activation of EGFR in normal cells (Chen et al. 2001). The benefits and uniqueness of genistein against oxidative stress are evident in a study on brain cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide. |
Jeffrey M. Smith
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 The health benefits of soy have been well publicized in recent years, in large part due to the presence of these phytoestrogens. The fact that GM soy, which comprises most U.S. soy, might offer less protection from cancer, etc., might influence public health as well as public acceptance of Monsanto's beans.
The Journal of Medicinal Food agreed to publish the ^eliminating research in their July 1999 issue. In the meantime, Monsanto mounted a defense. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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 At the Rosenthal Center of Columbia University, for example, scientists are conducting studies of black cohosh and other phytoestrogens.
Confirming the Safety of Rhodiola rosea
Pat: We are aware of populations—mainly villagers in the mountains of Siberia and the Republic of Georgia—who take Rhodiola rosea every day throughout their lives without any increase in their risk of cancer. This epidemiological information has reassured us about the safety of the herb. |
volker schulz and Rudolf Hansel
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 The hypothesis that phytoestrogens may be beneficial in reducing the incidence of prostate cancer is based largely upon observations that populations having increased concentrations of lignans and isoflavones in their plasma and prostatic fluid have a lower incidence of prostate disease. In a sampling of 50 men from Portugal, 58 from Hong Kong, and 36 from the United Kingdom, much higher concentrations of isoflavones were found in the plasma and prostatic fluid of the participants from Hong Kong than from the other two countries. |
Richard P. Brown, M.D., and Patricia L. Gerbarg, M.D.
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| Because they're natural, plant estrogens (also called phytoestrogens) are believed to be safer and milder than synthetic hormone replacement. But this has yet to be confirmed by long-term large-scale studies.
In the United Sates, pharmaceutical companies support most medication research and development. Because they really can't earn a profit from natural substances, which they can't patent, they're reluctant to fund studies on plant estrogens. Fortunately, many medical centers are helping to bridge this research gap by establishing departments of complementary and alternative medicine. |
Committee on Comparative Toxicity of Naturally Occurring Carcinogens
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 Such compounds are called phytoestrogens, and it has been hypothesized that these chemicals may block more potent estrogens by binding to estrogen receptors that control gene expression. However, many of the effects of these phenolic compounds do not appear to be related to this binding. It was recently proposed by Safe that some of the potential toxic impact of estrogenic industrial compounds may well be prevented by the large number of phytoestrogens in the diet (Safe, in press). |
The Life Extension Editorial Staff
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| Soy Isoflavones
Soy contains phytoestrogens known as isoflavones. Daidzein, coumestrol, and genistein ate the most studied. Isoflavone supplements contain a mixture of many different types of these compounds. Researchers have barely scratched the surface of understanding what they can do. Interest in theit anticancer potential stems from the big diffetence in the lower occurrence of hormone-related cancers in Asians who eat a lot of soy and Westerners who do not. |
| The results showed significant increases in bone density and bone mineral content for the lumbar spine in the women receiving the phytoestrogens derived from soy protein diets compared to the control diet. Incteases in othet skeletal areas also were noted in the women on the soy diets. Dt. J. W. Erdman, Jr., the lead scientist, concluded that soy isoflavones show real potential for maintaining bone health.
Kenneth D. Setchell, Ph.D., of Children's Hospital and Medical Center (Cincinnati, OH), confirmed the estrogenic activity of the ptincipal soy isoflavones daidzin, genistein, and glycitein. |
| Howevet, not all studies support the clinically positive effects of phytoestrogens. Most studies are in agreement that soy intake at levels of greatet than 50 mg/day will increase bone mass and will lower low-density cholesterol and triglycerides (Wagner et al. 1997; St. Getmain et al. 2001), but will have clinically no estrogenic effect on the vaginal and uterine epithelium. Also, while there have been frequent positive anecdotal reports on the effect of soy on menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, clinical studies have not wholly supported these benefits ovet a long period of time. |
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