Broccoli, kale, zucchini, peaches, and strawberries provide plant phytoestrogens, which have similar effects to the hormone estrogen, good for women’s health.
Estrogen is a natural hormone that plays an important role in the development of women’s sexual and reproductive functions. Estrogen creates regular menstrual cycles, desire, and maintains motherhood by regulating and developing organs in the body. This hormone also supports cardiovascular function, prevents cancer, and regulates mood for women.
Phytoestrogens are mainly found in foods, and can mimic the natural functions of estrogen. They also help prevent the breakdown of this hormone in the body, thereby promoting hormonal balance for women. Soybeans and its products such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame provide abundant phytoestrogens. However, some vegetables are also rich in this compound.
Strawberry
Many berries, including strawberries and raspberries, provide fiber, antioxidants and vitamin C. They also contain a phytoestrogen called resveratrol. This substance is also found in blueberries, cranberries, grapes and red wine. Strawberries can be eaten directly, made into jam, cake, ice cream, juice or chopped and added to yogurt to increase the amount of nutrition for the body.
Zucchini
Zucchini contains many vitamins and minerals including phytoestrogen. This vegetable is high in vitamin A (fat-soluble vitamin) which is important for vision health and the immune system. Delicious and nutritious dishes from zucchini include stir-frying, stewing, and soup.
Kale
Kale provides many nutrients such as vitamins A, C, K, and lignan – a type of plant phytoestrogen. There are about 0.8 mg of lignan in half a cup of cooked kale. Other health benefits of kale include reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes, preventing heart disease, and preventing constipation. Eating kale also improves bone, skin and hair health. This vegetable can be prepared in many ways such as adding to salads, grilling or smoothies.
Peach
Peaches are fragrant and sweet, not only containing many vitamins and minerals but also rich in lignan. Eating lots of lignans contributes to preventing the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Peaches can be eaten directly, soaked in sugar to make tea, smoothies, ice cream or cakes.
Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts are cruciferous vegetables rich in phytoestrogens. Not only brussels sprouts but also other cruciferous vegetables are rich plant sources of phytoestrogen. They also have vitamin C, plant-based protein and potassium, which are good for women’s health.
Broccoli
Broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower all provide abundant plant lignans. Each cup of chopped broccoli has about 0.6 mg of lignan. Add broccoli to stir-fries, boiled, steamed dishes or pizza to take advantage of the potential benefits of this vegetable.