Pineapples And Estrogen: How can Pineapple 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 Pineapple affect my estrogen levels ? and if so, how ?”
Before we get into the effects of Pineapples 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 Pineapple 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 Pineapples.
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 Pineapples on your estrogen levels
Q : Are Pineapples high in estrogen ?
A: Pineapples are not known to improve estrogen levels, in fact they are linked to the increase of testosterone and stamina in males. However, pineapple contains bromelain, which could potentially infuelce estrogen. Pineapple is sometimes used to induce periods. although there is no research suggesting that it actually works or not.
Q : What does Pineapple do to hormones ?
A: Pineapples are known to play an important role in the production of testosterone and sperm, it also increases sexual stamina in males. The effect of pineapple on female sex hormones is yet to be established.
Q: What can Pineapples do to females ?
A: Some people think that pineapple juice can help with the induction of periods, but there is no scientific evidence confirming it.
Q: What can Pineapples do to males ?
A: Both pineapple and pineapple juice are testosterone boosters, they can help with male sex stamina and potentially sperm count.
Q: Why is it good to eat Pineapples ?
A: It’s good to eat pineapple because it :
- Contains disease-fighting antioxidants
- May aid digestion
- May boost immunity and suppress inflammation
- May ease symptoms of arthritis
- May speed recovery after surgery or strenuous exercise
Q : What are the side effects of consuming Pineapples ?
A: The excess consumption of pineapple can lead to reactions such as diarrhea, nausea, excess menstrual flow, vomiting and skin rash. Consuming unripe pineapple can cause severe vomiting.
What do Pineapples contain ?
100 grams of raw Pineapples provide :
- Calories: 48
- Carbs: 12.63 grams
- Fiber: 1.4 grams
- Protein: 0.54 grams
- Fat: 0.12 grams
- Vitamin C: 40% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin A: 0% of the DV
- Potassium: 2% 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 Pineapples in moderation is unlikely to harm you.