Natural Food Sources of Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone associated with women's health. Estrogen therapy is an option for women when they enter menopause and their estrogen levels begin to drop. But even premenopausal women need to regulate their estrogen levels. By eating certain foods you can keep your levels within a healthy range.
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Function
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Estrogen is a group of similar hormones that regulate the growth and development of female sexual characteristics. Estrogen plays a major role in reproduction, controls the growth of the uterine lining during the beginning of your period and causes the changes you see in your breasts during adolescence and pregnancy. Along with calcium and vitamin D, estrogen works to build and maintain bones. As your estrogen level decreases, your body begins to lose bone mass. This is common during menopause. If your estrogen levels drop too low, you may develop osteoporosis, a condition in which your bones become brittle. To keep your bones strong, your body needs estrogen, calcium and vitamin D.
Fruits and Vegetables
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Eating a healthy diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables will provide you with natural estrogen. Fruits to eat include apples, cherries, pears, plums, tomatoes and prunes. Vegetables to eat are alfalfa sprouts, celery, parsley, beets, bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, cucumbers, mushrooms, brussels sprouts and squash. Eat a variety of produce throughout the day. Good eating habits develop early, so encourage your children to eat fruits and vegetables daily.
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Miscellaneous Foods
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Spices like cloves, ginger, oregano, sage tea, thyme and turmeric are good sources of estrogen. Using these spices when you cook adds natural estrogen to any meal. Include in your diet pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Whole grains like barley, oats, brown rice and wheat germ will boost your estrogen. Other good sources are legumes like lima beans, kidney beans, black-eyed peas, navy beans, red beans and lentils.
Soy
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Soy protein is one of the best natural sources for estrogen. Soy comes in a variety of products, which makes it a versatile option. You can get estrogen from soy beans, milk, yogurt, noodles, cheese, flour or tofu. Soy is also an excellent source of calcium, which is good for your bones. Eating soy provides two bone-building agents that can help prevent bone loss.
Flaxseed
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Flaxseeds not only provide estrogen, they are also good for your overall health. Flaxseeds help decrease heart disease, improve liver function, lower cholesterol and help relieve allergies and asthma. Flaxseeds will help improve dry skin, dull hair, brittle nails, depression, mental function and your energy level. You can get flaxseed oil, whole seeds or seeds ground into flour. No matter how you choose to eat your flaxseed, your health will benefit. Choosing flaxseed is a way to get the most nutritional bang for your buck.
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