PHYTOESTROGENS – NATURE'S GIFT FOR WOMEN
Phytoestrogens are a type of compound that is increasingly known for its health benefits. Especially its beauty benefits for women. So are Phytoestrogens really a gift from nature for women? And what are the notes when using Phytoestrogens? Let's find out in the article below!
What are phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens are natural substances found in some plants commonly used as food. Phytoestrogens have the effect of treating some diseases related to the cardiovascular system and sudden death. Participate in the process of reducing cholesterol in the blood.
In men, it helps treat alcoholism and prostate fibroids. And especially, it helps treat some diseases related to menopause in women such as dry skin, hair loss, insomnia, and hot flashes. In addition, it helps prevent and stop breast cancer and vaginal dryness due to the decline in female sex hormones due to age.
General introduction to Phytoestrogen
Phytoestrogens are found most abundantly in legumes, where they are produced as glucosides. Soybeans, kudzu, cereals, and soybean sprouts are also particularly rich sources of phytoestrogens. They are also found in clover, alfalfa sprouts, etc.
Some foods contain Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens have a structure and function similar to the female hormone estrogen. Many scientific studies have proven that Phytoestrogens are effective in treating and preventing certain diseases, especially those related to women's health.
Phytoestrogens act like female hormones. They help protect women's health and maintain their youth. In addition, they also protect women from common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, premenopausal disorders, cancer and osteoporosis.
Phytoestrogens Structure
Biochemical effects of Phytoestrogen
Effects of Phytoestrogens on Cancer
Cancer has a very wide range of effects on parts and organs of the human body. Including the mammary and prostate glands, blood, brain, etc.
Many surveys have shown that there is a significant difference in the diet of Asians compared to other populations in the world. Asian diets contain relatively high levels of soy products. This is because soy contains phytoestrogens - a group of active substances that have the ability to treat and prevent cancer. Therefore, soy has been considered a very attractive product and has been noticed as a potential natural protection against cancer.
Phytoestrogens also have anti-cancer effects against cancers such as lung, prostate, liver, etc. One of the substances in phytoestrogens with high anti-cancer effects is resveratrol. This substance is converted in the body into an anti-cancer substance that selectively destroys cancer cells. Resveratrol is metabolized by the enzyme CYPIBI, which is abundant in different types of tumors. CYPIBI converts resveratrol into piceatanmol, a substance with anti-cancer activity. This process is limited to the tumor itself, localizing the toxicity of cancer cells to selectively destroy them.
Effects of Phytoestrogens on Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a loss of bone mass and damage to the structure of the periosteum and nerve tissue. This results in bones becoming brittle and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures.
One of the essential factors that forms the basis for good bone health is the activity of the sex hormones oestrogens. The activity of bone marrow cells is enhanced by oestrogen deficiency. Osteoporosis is therefore particularly prevalent in postmenopausal women, as the rate of bone loss increases due to the decrease in oestrogen levels. One approach to treatment is the use of hormone replacement therapy, which is effective in preventing bone loss.
A study by American scientists on 208 women aged 45-74 years old during menopause showed that if the diet contains isoflavones, it helps prevent bone loss.
There are also studies on Asian women such as China, Japan... all showing positive results in helping to increase the amount of minerals in bones, making bones strong and avoiding the risk of osteoporosis.
Effects of Phytoestrogens on Cardiovascular Disease
Some diseases that people often suffer from are diabetes, high blood pressure. One of the causes is cardiovascular disease: atherosclerosis - and arterial occlusion. Studies show that the state of hormones in the body is related to cardiovascular disease. That is why scientists have applied a diet containing phytoestrogens in food. Soybeans will reduce cholesterol in the blood, reduce the risk of blood vessel blockage, and avoid cardiovascular disease.
The impact of Phytoestrogen on the human hormone system
Phytoestrogen has a similar structure to oestradiol (human hormone) and it can be converted into oestrogen (human hormones that cause estrus). Its activity directly affects the endogenous hormone glands. Or indirectly regulates the concentration and content of endogenous hormones.
Phytoestrogens Affect Hormones
In adult women, more than 37% of circulating estrogen is related to SHBG - This compound is a form of globulin that can bind and inactivate sex hormones (Sex hormone binding globulin - SHBG). It can be said that it is the combination of hormones with glycoprotein that determines the amount of free hormones that act on cells and the response of cells.
Phytoestrogens have the ability to bind to SHBG. Therefore, the concentration of binding to Phytoestrogens will cause the density of free SHBG in the plasma to decrease. At the same time, free estrogens in the plasma will increase, giving more opportunities to act on cells. Thus, when absorbing a lot of Phytoestrogens into the body, it can both create estrogen and create opportunities for free estrogens to contact and act on cells. Thereby helping to regulate hormone levels in the body.
Some other effects
Regular use of phytoestrogens every day will greatly reduce the risk of belly fat. Phytoestrogens help the body regulate fat, preventing fat accumulation in the abdomen. In addition, most women who use phytoestrogen compounds show that they have brighter, smoother skin, smoother black hair, regular menstruation, reduced vaginal dryness, and increased sexual quality. From there, women are more confident, comfortable, youthful and happier as their youth gradually passes. Phytoestrogens are truly a gift from nature to women!
