Apricots And Estrogen: How can Apricot affect 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 Apricot affect my estrogen levels ? and if so, how ?”
Before we get into the effects of Apricots 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 Apricot 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 Apricots.
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 Apricots on your estrogen levels
Q : Are Apricots high in estrogen ?
A: Apricots are some of the fruits that have the highest phytoestrogen content, meaning that your body will respond as if it’s yur own natural estrogen.
Q : What does Apricot do to hormones ?
A: Apricots are known to increase estrogen in women. They contain phytoestrogens, which can balance female hormones. Apricots are also known to decrease testosterone.
Q: What can Apricots do to females ?
A: Apricots can help women balance their estrogen levels and decrease the testosterone hormone.
Q: What can Apricots do to males ?
A: Apricots may decrease testosterone in men and increase their estrogen levels.
Q: Why is it good to eat Apricots ?
A: Apricots are:
- high in antioxidants
- very nutritious
- low in calories
- may promote eye health
- may boost skin health
- may promote gut health
- very hydrating
Q : What are the side effects of consuming Apricots ?
A: Apricot seeds contain a compound called amygdalin, which converts into cyanide after consumption. If consumed in high amounts, it can lead to nervousness, fever, muscle and joint pain, reduced blood pressure, lethargy, thirst, headaches and nausea
What do Apricots contain ?
100 grams of raw apricots provide :
- Calories: 241
- Carbs: 62 grams
- Protein: 3.39 grams
- Fat: 0.51 grams
- Fiber: 7.3 grams
- Sugars: 53.44 grams
- Vitamin A: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: 1% of the DV
- Iron: 15% of the DV
- Potassium: 25% 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 Apricots in moderation is unlikely to harm you.