The true health benefits of various food sources and their components have always been subject to a lot of research and studies. The results of the quest to identify the best type of food and the best diet combination that help us to stay fit and healthy point out the benefits of phytoestrogens containing foods .Phytoestrogens are weak hormones found in plant food naturally.

The results of some studies show that these type foods have valuable nutrients that help to bring great relief to problems associated with the phase of menopause. They are useful in the treatment and care of age related and hormonal conditions. Phytoestrogens help in reducing the possibility of prostate cancer, breast cancer and minimizing the risk of other cardiovascular diseases. It also provides protection against osteoporosis and many menopausal symptoms.

The major groups of phytoestrogens are called Flavones, lignans, coumestans and Isoflovones. Some of them are flavonoids. Soy beans and soy bean products like tofu contain Isoflovones in a high concentration. Lignans are mainly found in flax seeds.

Dietary estrogen can be obtained from a wide range of food products including most herbs. The level of estrogen available varies from source to source.

The richest sources of phytoestrogen are oil seeds and nuts. Soy beans and soy products come next.

The phytoestrogen available in Soy falls under the isoflavone category. The elements contained in this cause an effect on the body that is physiological in nature though it is not proven that these changes are solely due to the isoflavones. The amounts of the useful compounds vary depending on the type of plant and processing in soy.

Flaxseeds are a source of phystoestrogen belonging to the lignans class. In fact flax seeds provide these components in very high quantities. There are other sources such as vegetables, fruits and grains but they contain lignans in comparatively small quantities only. The alpha-linoleic acid and soluble fiber found in Flaxseeds are useful as compounds in acting as a source for phytoestrogen.

Many Seed and Nuts like sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, chestnuts, walnuts, pistachio nuts, peanuts, almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts Brazil and nuts cashews are also high in phytoestrogens.

A lot of other food stuff we use every day, like Olive oil, garlic, kidney beans, chickpeas, lentils, onions, winter squash, collard greens, broccoli, cabbage, dried prunes, winter squash, collard greens, mung bean sprouts, alfalfa, apricots, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, green beans and cashews are all good sources of phystoestrogen.

Many brands of Phytoestrogen supplements are available in the market in varying strength. These can be used as alternatives to replace hormone therapy, as these are effective equally. It also helps to maintain and keep the body healthy when you consume foods that are rich in phytoestrogen. Supplements are needed if you cannot consume phytoestrogen rich foods in the required quantity.