Grapes And Estrogen: How can a grape affect your hormones
Most often than not, people with hormone imbalances and people that try to maintain their body in a healthy state will pay attention to the foods they eat, giving birth to one of the most important questions (no pun intended) : “Will this grape affect my estrogen levels ? and if so, how ?”
Before we get into the effects of Grapes on your 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 that are in their reproductive age will have much higher levels.
Estrogen promotes the development and maintenance of female characteristics, it also helps you keep a regulated menstrual cycle, which is why it’s beneficial to ask yourself questions like : how will this grape affect me ?
Nevertheless, estrogen levels decline throughout menopause, leading to symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes, for this reason we need to look at two important definitions before learning about the effects of Grapes.
What are Phytoestrogens ?
Phytoestrogens are compounds that occur naturally in plants (fruits, veggies, grains, etc.), their structure is similar to estrogen, consequently they have the ability to bind to the same receptors as estrogen.
When eating phytoestrogens, our body can respond as if it’s our own natural estrogen.
What are Lignans ?
Lignans are a category of phytoestrogen that is most often found in grains, nuts, seeds, tea, plants and wine. Their most beneficial quality is their antioxidant effect. Bacteria that naturally occurs in your body can convert lignant into estrogen.
The effects of Grapes on your estrogen levels
Q : Are Grapes high in estrogen ?
A: Red grapes are know to reduce estrogen levels in men, they are known to be estrogen blockers. On the other hand, studies suggest that grape seed extract does not have any impact on estrogen levels in women.
Animal studies also concluded that grapes can decrease estrogen synthesis and increase androstenedione and testosterone.
Q : What can grapes do to hormones ?
A: Grapes can block the production of estrogen and increase testosterone.
Q: What can Grapes do to females ?
A: They can offer protection against certain disease, may protect against diabetes, lower blood sugar levels and benefit eye health.
Q: What can Grapes do to males ?
A: Grapes can help males increase their testosterone levels by blocking estrogen synthesis, they can offer protection against certain disease, may protect against diabetes, lower blood sugar levels and benefit eye health.
Q: Why is it good to eat Grapes ?
A: Eating grapes can improve memory, attention and mood. Grapes may relieve constipation, have anti-obesity effects, benefit skin and hair health and lower inflammation.
Q : What are the side effects of consuming Grapes ?
A: Eating grapes in large quantities may lead to diarrhea or allergic reactions such as : dry mouth, cough, headaches.
What do Grapes contain ?
150 grams of grapes contain :
- Calories: 103
- Carbs: 27 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Fat: 0.2 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Copper: 21% of the daily value (DV)
- Vitamin K: 18% of the DV
- Thiamine (vitamin B1): 9% of the DV
- Riboflavin (vitamin B2): 8% of the DV
- Vitamin C: 5% of the DV
- Manganese: 5% of the DV
- Vitamin E: 2% of the DV
- Vitamin B6: 8% of the DV
- Potassium: 6% of the DV
Are phytoestrogens and lignans dangerous ?
Phytoestrogen-rich foods can usually be safely consumed in moderation, as the benefits will likely outweigh the potential risks.
Also, contrary to what most people think, it has been demonstrated in studies that phytoestrogens have no effect on human male sex hormones.
The bottom line
Phytoestrogen is easy to find in a huge variety of plant foods.
In order to boost your estrogen levels, you can moderately incorporate phytoestrogen-rich foods into your diet.
In most cases, there are either no risks or the benefits outweigh the potential risks.
Eating Grapes in moderation is unlikely to harm you.