Are you planning on having a baby even if that is a long-term goal? If you are you might want to consider adding some of these estrogen rich foods to your diet because estrogen is known to thicken the lining of the uterus, preparing it for the possible implantation of a fertilized egg. It also helps strengthen your bones, but that is a post for another day. Today we look at ten foods you should definitely add to your diet to keep your estrogen levels high…
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are small, golden or brown-coloured seeds that have recently gained traction due to their potential health benefits. They’re incredibly rich in lignans, a group of chemical compounds that functions as phytoestrogens.
Soy
Soy contains high levels of isoflavones, phytoestrogens that may mimic estrogen’s effects and reduce the risk of both breast and prostate cancer. Soy is also rich in a range of other essential vitamins and minerals.
Red Wine
Red wine is rich in resveratrol, a phytoestrogen researchers believe reduces heart disease risk by regulating cholesterol levels. Another study found that phytoestrogens in red wine may stop cancer cell growth, particularly among postmenopausal women.
Legumes
Legumes like chickpeas, lentils, red kidney beans, and split peas are also rich sources of phytoestrogens. As with soya beans, legumes pack high isoflavones, delivering 5,530 micrograms of phytoestrogens per 100 grams
Tofu
Tofu is produced from soy milk which is naturally high in phytoestrogens, specifically isoflavones. Tofu is a very versatile ingredient and can be used in anything from soup to stir fry.
Garlic
Garlic is part of the onion family and is a source of isoflavonoids, containing about 603mcg of phytoestrogens per 100g. Garlic is used in cooking throughout the world and therefore offers a simple way to include estrogen rich food in your diet.
Dairy
There is a direct correlation between higher estrogen levels in eggs because eggs are produced in the animal’s ovaries. Ovaries are glands that process hormones. Similarly, full-fat milk can also contain more or less estrogen depending on where the animal is in the lactation cycle.
Grains
There has been a strong correlation between people who eat cereal and higher rates of phytoestrogens. It has been found that many of the grains typically used in cereals have higher rates of phytoestrogens.
Brown Rice
Add a side of rice to your meal for your serving of phytoestrogens as it will help you gain much higher levels of estrogens than any other type of rice!
Apples
Apples, along with other fruits like dates and cherries, are another source of estrogens, but apples contain the highest levels of them per gram. Just an apple a day will do much more than keep the doctor away!
If you know of any more estrogen rich foods do let us know in the comments below so we can all share your knowledge.