Grapefruits And Estrogen: How can Grapefruit 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 Grapefruit affect my estrogen levels ? and if so, how ?”
Before we get into the effects of Grapefruits 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 Grapefruit 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 Grapefruits.
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 Grapefruits on your estrogen levels
Q : Are Grapefruits high in estrogen ?
A: Grapefruits along with other citrus fruits are know to contain phytochemicals with anti-estrogen like effects. They can block your estrogen receptors. Citrus fruits have demonstrated anti-estrogenic and anti-aromatase activities.
Q : What does Grapefruit do to hormones ?
A: Grapefruits can have anti-estrogen effects. They can block your estrogen receptors.
Q: What can Grapefruits do to females ?
A: Grapefruits may decrease your estrogen levels and reduce its production by blocking estrogen receptors.
Q: What can Grapefruits do to males ?
A: Grapefruit may help with your testosterone levels by blocking the estrogen receptors.
Q: Why is it good to eat Grapefruits ?
A: Grapefruits are:
- high in antioxidants
- can boost your immunity
- may support brain health
- may improve skin appearence
- may support heart health
Q : What are the side effects of consuming Grapefruits ?
A: Consuming large amounts of Grapefruits can cause gastrointestinal issues, irritation, hernia, peptic esophagitis and/or acid reflux. It may also increase the risk of having an irregular heartbeat
What do Grapefruits contain ?
100 grams of raw Grapefruits provide :
- Calories: 42
- Carbs: 10.66 grams
- Fiber: 1.6 grams
- Protein: 0.77 grams
- Fat: 0.14 grams
- Vitamin C: 35% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 6% of the DV
- Potassium: 3% 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 Grapefruits in moderation is unlikely to harm you.