What Are the Different Types of Phytoestrogens?
Black Cohosh Ginkgo Biloba Dong Quai Ginseng Red Clover Soy Vitex Macafem
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh grows in the woods of eastern North America
Ginkgo Biloba
Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for thousands of years.
Dong Quai
Dong Quai is often referred to as "the female ginseng"
Ginseng
The Chinese word "rénshén" means "man root" in English
Red Clover
Originates from Asia, parts of Northern Africa, and Central Europe
Soy
Traditionally used in the Orient as a source of protein and medicine
Vitex
Vitex agnus-castus is also called chaste tree
Macafem
Originates from the Andean mountains of Perú

What Are the Different Types of Phytoestrogens?

What Are the Different Types of PhytoestrogensIf you haven�t heard of phytoestrogens, you�re probably not alone. Phytoestrogens are plant compounds that mimic estrogen, but little was known about these miraculous agents before the beginning of the 20th century. Many plants have small quantities of phytoestrogens, which have no effect in the body.

Herbs containing larger amounts of these compounds can have substantial effects on the human body. Studies indicate the health benefits of these plants include improvements from risk of cardiovascular disease, protection against osteoporosis, reduction in breast and prostate cancer and relief from menopausal symptoms. Read on to learn about the different groups and benefits of phytoestrogens.

Phytoestrogen Groups

Phytoestrogens are categorized into four groups. These include:

. Isoflavones - A class of organic compounds found in high concentrations in soy bean and soy bean products (e.g. tofu). Some isoflavones, particularly soy, have been reported to lower incidence of breast and other types of cancers because of their role in influencing sex hormone metabolism and biological activities.

. Flavones - A group of phytonutrients, flavones help fight disease, reduce inflammation and support various important body functions such as metabolism and muscle contractions. Sources include apples and green tea.

. Coumestans – A derivative of courmarin, coumestan forms the center core of a variety of natural hormones. These compounds can be found in alfalfa sprouts and several varieties of beans such as split peas, pinto beans and lima beans.

. Lignans – Compounds similar in shape and structure to estrogen also have some of estrogen�s functionality including competing with estrogen for estrogen receptor sites on breast tissue. If lignans block these receptor sites, the amount of estrogen that can be received in the breast tissue is reduced. Studies show that women with the highest amounts of lignans in their breasts have higher levels of breast health and reduced risk of breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.

What Foods Contain Phytoestrogens?

More than 300 foods have been shown to contain phytoestrogens. These include:

. Flaxseed
What Are the Different Types of Phytoestrogens. Soy beans
. Soy milk
. Hummus
. Olive Oil
. Almonds
. Green Beans
. Milk
. Coffee

From improving cardiovascular health to relieving menopausal symptoms, phytoestorgens have proven effective in treating hormone and estrogen-related health problems. Click here to find more information on herbal supplements that contain phytoestrogens.

Main Sections
Macafem
Is an Andean plant regarded as one of the best treatments for menopause symptoms because of it boosts the endocrine system.
Dong Quai
Is an Asian plant that has been used for thousands of years to treat gynecological problems, blood disorders, and as a sedative.
Ginkgo Biloba
Is a popular and ancient Chinese herbal remedy used to improve circulation, mental performance, and menopause symptoms.
Ginseng
Is a root widely used by Chinese, Koreans and Native Americans as a preventative treatment and to increase vitality.
Soy
Is a healthy, low-fat source of protein and is used as treat menopause because of its high amount of phytoestrogens.
Red Clover
Is a variety of Clover with a high nutritional value and it's widely used as an immune-booster and menopause relief, but it has some side effects.
Black Cohosh
Is a phytoestrogenic herb from eastern North America and it is used as a supplement to treat several illnesses, including menopause symptoms.
Vitex
Used since roman times to help women with hormonal imbalances, but pregnant women should avoid it.
Which herb should women try? Today women are looking for relief from their menopause symptoms with herbs. Phytoestrogenic herbs and non-estrogenic herbs are good in relieving menopause symptoms, but recent studies show that non-estrogenic herbs have no side effects because they help the body to produce its own hormones instead of introducing hormones like the phytoestrogenic ones. Learn more about non-estrogenic herbs for menopause.
What Are the Different Types of Phytoestrogens?