The French Food Safety Agency has assessed the safety and health benefits of phytoestrogens. The term “phytoestrogens” refers to several molecules from the plant world that, although they have different structures, all show similarities to the structure of estradiol. Their study found the following:
-Phytoestrogens may have a limited effect on osteoporosis and the loss of cognitive function. However, these effects need to be confirmed by well-managed clinical studies.
-The data shows that phytoestrogens are not associated with an increased risk of breast cancer in women. In Asian women, there is a decreased risk.
-In the cardiovascular area, soy isoflavones have a beneficial effect on blood vessel tone at levels of 45mg/day, but negative effects may be produced from 73mg/day. The typical American diet is less than 1mg/day.
Terry Pfau DO HMD