5 foods that contain or provide estrogen-like compounds
If by “estrogen-rich” you mean foods containing phytoestrogens, these are plant compounds that can interact with estrogen receptors. They are not the same as human estrogen, and eating them doesn’t simply raise estrogen levels in the body.
Five good sources include:
Soy foods — Tofu, tempeh, edamame, soy milk, and other soy products are particularly rich in isoflavones, a well-studied type of phytoestrogen.
Flaxseeds — Among the richest dietary sources of lignans, another type of phytoestrogen.
Sesame seeds — Also provide lignans and other plant compounds with estrogenic activity.
Chickpeas and other legumes — Contain various phytoestrogens, although generally in smaller amounts than soy.
Dried fruits — Prunes, apricots, and some other dried fruits contain lignans and related compounds.
What does this mean for hormones?
Phytoestrogens can have weak estrogen-like or sometimes anti-estrogenic effects, depending on the compound and the body’s hormonal environment. They shouldn’t be thought of as a natural replacement for estrogen therapy.
For most people, incorporating foods such as soy, flaxseed, legumes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into a balanced diet is considered reasonable.
If you’re asking because of menopause, low estrogen, fertility, or symptoms you think are hormone-related, tell me which one and I can explain which foods have evidence behind them—and which popular claims are myths.
