Strawberries and Estrogen: How a Strawberry Can Affect Your Hormones
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Most often, people with hormonal imbalances and people trying to keep their bodies in a healthy state will pay attention to the food they eat, giving rise to one of the most important questions (no pun intended): "Will it affect this strawberry . My level of estrogen ? and if so, how?"
Before we get into the effects of strawberries on estrogen levels, we need to understand what estrogen really is.
What is estrogen and how does it affect your body?
Estrogen is one of the hormones that promotes both reproductive and sexual development.
While a hormone like estrogen will always be present in both men and women of all ages, women who are of reproductive age will have much higher levels.
Estrogen promotes the development and maintenance of female characteristics, and also helps you maintain a regular menstrual cycle, which is why it's beneficial to ask yourself questions like: How will this Strawberry affect me?
However, estrogen levels drop during menopause, leading to symptoms such as night sweats and hot flashes, so we need to look at two important definitions before learning about the effects of strawberries.
What are phytoestrogens?
Phytoestrogens are compounds found naturally in plants (fruits, vegetables, grains, etc.), their structure is similar to estrogen, therefore they have the ability to bind to the same receptors as estrogen.
When we consume phytoestrogens, our body can respond as if it were our own natural estrogen.
What are Lignans?
Lignans are a class of phytoestrogens most commonly found in grains, nuts, seeds, tea, herbs, and wine. Their most beneficial quality is their antioxidant effect. Naturally occurring bacteria in your body can convert lign into estrogen.
Effects of strawberries on estrogen levels
Q:Â Are strawberries high in estrogen?
A: Strawberries are known to contain high amounts of phytoestrogens, which will help increase your estrogen levels.
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Q:Â What does strawberry do to hormones?
A: Strawberries will increase your production of two fat-building hormones called adiponectin and leptin, which also help suppress your appetite.
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Q:Â What can female strawberries do?
A: Strawberries can boost your metabolism and estrogen levels while suppressing your appetite.
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Q:Â What can strawberries do for men?
A: Strawberries are known to be rich in vitamin C, which is believed to increase libido in men.
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Q:Â Why is it good to eat strawberries?
A: Strawberries have high amounts of vitamin C and magnesium, while being high in antioxidants. Strawberries can reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
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Q:Â What are the side effects of eating strawberries?
A: There are generally no side effects from eating strawberries, but if you eat a large amount, you may experience heartburn, diarrhea, acid reflux, or bloating.
What do strawberries contain?
100 grams of raw strawberries contain:
- Calories:Â Â 32
- The water:Â Â 91%
- Protein:Â Â 0,7 grams
- Carbohydrates:Â Â 7,7 grams
- Sugar:Â Â 4,9 grams
- Fiber:Â Â 2 grams
- Fats:Â Â 0,3 grams
Are phytoestrogens and lignans dangerous?
Foods rich in phytoestrogens can usually be eaten safely and in moderation, as the benefits will likely outweigh the potential risks.
Also, contrary to what most people believe, it has been shown in studies that phytoestrogens do not no effect on human male sex hormones.
The bottom line
Phytoestrogen is easily found in a wide variety of plant foods.
To increase your estrogen levels, you can moderately include foods rich in phytoestrogens in your diet.
In most cases, there are either no risks or the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Moderate consumption of strawberries is unlikely to harm you.
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