PHYTOESTROGENS

What are phytoestrogens?

Phytoestrogens are oestrogen-like substances that come from plants. They are not identical to oestrogens but are natural plant protectants which have a range of positive effects on the body2.

There are two main types of phytoestrogens:

  • Isoflavones (found in soy) and;
  • Lignans (found in linseed and rye).

Bürgen® Soy-Lin® Bread contains the two types of phytoestrogens – isoflavones and lignans – found in soy and linseed. Bürgen® Rye Bread also contains some lignans from the rye.

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How do phytoestrogens contribute to our health and wellbeing?

Benefits of Isoflavones2:

  • Bones: Growing evidence suggests that consuming soy may help in maintaining healthy bones as some studies have shown it tends to reduce the amount of calcium lost from the bone;
  • There is limited but growing evidence that isoflavones may help maintain breast and prostate health.

Benefits of Lignans3, 4:

  • Lignans are phytoestrogens which also act in the body as antioxidants . They are converted by the beneficial bacteria in our colon into enterolignans, enterodiol and enterolactone;
  • There is limited but growing evidence that enterolignans help to maintain health and wellbeing, including helping to maintain heart health , a healthy digestive system and breast and prostate health.

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How can you increase your intake of phytoestrogens?

To increase your intake of phytoestrogens:

  • Consume soy products such as soy milk, tofu and soy and breads containing soy such as Bürgen® Soy-Lin®
  • Add LSA (linseed, sunflower seeds and almonds) to smoothies and diced fruit;
  • Consume rye based products such as Bürgen® Rye

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Want to know more?

1 NHMRC and NZMoH 2006. Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand including recommended dietary intakes. NHMRC, Canberra
2 Cassidy 2005. Dietary phytoestrogens: molecular mechanisms, bioavailability and importance to menopausal health. Nutrition Research Reviews 18: 183-201.
3 Saarinen et al 2007. Role of dietary lignans in the reduction of breast cancer risk. Mol. Nutr. Food Res 51: 857-866
4 Smeds et al 2007. Quantification of a broad spectrum of lignans in cereals, oilseeds and nuts. J Agric Food Chem 55:1337-1346.



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