Lemons and Estrogen: How Lemon Can Affect Hormones
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 lemon . My level of estrogen ? and if so, how?"
Before we get into the effects of Lemons 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 Lemon 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 Lemons.
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 lemons on estrogen levels
Q: Are lemons high in estrogen?
R: Lemons along with other citrus fruits are known to contain phytochemicals with anti-estrogenic effects. They can block your estrogen receptors. Citrus has demonstrated antiestrogenic and antiaromatase activities.
Q: What does Lemon do to hormones?
R: Lemons may have anti-estrogen effects. They can block your estrogen receptors.
Q: What can Lemons do to females?
R: Lemons can lower your estrogen levels and reduce its production by blocking estrogen receptors.
Q: What can Lemons do for men?
R: Lemon can help with your testosterone levels by blocking estrogen receptors.
Q: Why is it good to eat Lemons?
R: Lemons are:
- rich in antioxidants
- it can strengthen your immunity
- may support brain health
- can improve the appearance of the skin
- may support heart health
Q: What are the side effects of consuming lemons?
R: Consuming large amounts of Lemons can cause gastrointestinal problems, irritation, hernia, peptic esophagitis and/or acid reflux
What do lemons contain?
100 grams of raw lemons provide:
- Calories: 29
- Carbohydrates: 9,32 grams
- Fiber: 2,8 grams
- Protein: 1,1 grams
- Fats: 0,3 grams
- Vitamin C: 59% of Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A : 0% of DV
- Potassium: 3% of DV
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.
Eating lemons in moderation is unlikely to harm you.
