Blueberries And Estrogen: How can Blueberry affect your hormones

Blueberries And Estrogen: How can Blueberry 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 Blueberry affect my estrogen levels ? and if so, how ?”

Before we get into the effects of Blueberries 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 Blueberry 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 Blueberries.

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 Blueberries on your estrogen levels

Q : Are Blueberries high in estrogen ?

A: Blueberries are a great source of phytoestrogen, which binds to the same receptors as estrogen, making your body respond as if it’s your own estrogen.

 

Q : What does Blueberry do to hormones ?

A: Blueberries are full of vitamin C, which is know to increase your production of progesterone during the Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. They are also a great source of phytoestrogen and many fertility-boosting nutrients.

 

Q: What can Blueberries do to females ?

A: Blueberries are great for anyone, but they are especially good for women, playing an important role in the increase of estrogen levels in the body. Blueberries are high in antioxidants and can balance your hormone levels during your menstrual cycle.

 

Q: What can Blueberries do to males ?

A: Blueberries can boost immunitty in men, along with many heart and metabolism benefits. They are also believed to lower the risk of erectile dysfunction as they can improve blood vessel function.

 

Q: Why is it good to eat Blueberries ?

A: It’s good to eat blueberries as they are a great source of antioxidants, they can improve blood vessel function and may reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. Blueberries can also help women balance their hormones.

 

Q : What are the side effects of consuming Blueberries ?

A: Side effects of eating large quantities of blueberries can include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, flatulence and bloating.

 

What do Blueberries contain ?

100 grams of raw, fresh blueberries contain :

• Calories : 57
• Carbohydrates : 14g
• Protein : 0.7g
• Vitamin A : 1.1% of Daily Value (DV)
• Vitamin C : 16% DV
• Calcium : 0.5% DV
• Iron : 1.6% 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 Blueberries in moderation is unlikely to harm you.

 

Afine și Estrogen