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.

Back to top

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.

Back to top

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

Back to top

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.



Full of flavour and natural ingredients, Bürgen® Soy-Lin® Bread's balance of soy, linseed and wheat provides important nutrients for women's wellbeing.
More on Bürgen® Soy-Lin® Bread

All Bürgen® bread varieties are cholesterol free and low in saturated fat which helps to maintain overall good health and helps maintain heart health.
More on Saturated and Trans Fat and Heart Health and Body Balance

A juicy steak with fresh tomato, spinach leaves, Spanish onion and mustard on Bürgen® Soy-Lin® Bread. A healthy treat for meat lovers!
Get the Recipe now