Apples And Estrogen: How an Apple affects 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 Apple affect my estrogen levels ? and if so, how ?”
Before we get into the effects of Apples 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 Apple 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 Apples.
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 Apples on your estrogen levels
Q : Are Apples high in estrogen ?
A: Apples are not high in estrogen, but they are high in testosterone.
Q : What can Apples do to hormones ?
A: Apples have lots of vitamin C, which has a very important role in the production of progesterone, the hormone responsible for reducing both depression and anxiety.
Q: What can Apples do to females ?
A: One study suggests that apples can help reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Q: What can Apples do to males ?
A: Apples can help males increase their testosterone and strengthen sexual stamina.
Q : What are the side effects of consuming Apples ?
A: There are no general side effects, but apples tend to be acidic. Too many apples can make you lose your enamel.
What do Apples contain ?
The nutrition facts for one raw, unpeeled, medium-sized apple (100 grams) :
- Calories: 52.
- Water: 86%.
- Protein: 0.3 grams.
- Carbs: 13.8 grams.
- Sugar: 10.4 grams.
- Fiber: 2.4 grams.
- Fat: 0.2 grams.
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 Apples in moderation is unlikely to harm you.