Are Phytoestrogens Actually Bad?

[CKA]

As far as I know, phytoestrogens are a weak estrogen that takes up our estrogen receptors instead of our own much stronger estrogen. It seems to me that would be a good thing but I'm sure I'm missing something. Please help me understand phytoestrogens. Thanks!

 

[Agent207]

Correct. This is another misconception around here. Estrogenic effect of a compound is not an absolute feature; it depends on the strogenic potency of the molecule, the amount ingested and the hormonal status of the person. Thats why phytoestrogens -like the ones on lentils, pomegranates or coffee- tend to act as "antiestrogenic" for most people, specially for women. Maybe for a very androgenic profile they may be a little estrogenic, but that doesnt mean is bad.

Becouse this I see several phytoestrogens to be healthy, they compete with the stroger endogenous estrogens, and they act as weak hormonal modulators. Special enphasis on moderate amounts.. not loading on them.

 

[Blossom]

There is some discussion about phytoestrogens in this thread,
Your Breasts Don’t Lie: Soy, Flax And Other Estrogenic Foods And Herbs Trigger Precancerous Breasts