Plant based phytoestrogens have a chemical structure that is similar to mammal estrogen but the effects on the body are not as strong.   It is suggested that these phytoestrogens may partly suppress or inhibit normal estrogen activity in estrogen responsive tissues if the estrogen level is high.  When the estrogen level is low they act as a replacement but do not have the same strong effect and are not associated with any of the negative effects of estrogen.   Studies are being conducted to determine the exact benefit of phytoestrogens.

Soy foods and flaxseed have the highest amount of phytoestrogens however all plant foods contain some.  (Flaxseed is a high fiber food and is often used to combat constipation.)   Other foods containing appreciable amounts of the phytoestrogens include:

• All dried beans in addition to the soybean
• Fruits such as berries, cherries, and apples,
• Vegetables such as cabbage, carrots, green beans, potato, yams, leafy green, parsley, broccoli, peas and kale
• Whole Wheat, Barley, oats, rice and rye.

Since the foods that contain these phytoestrogens are actually very healthy for any diet why not reap possible benefits by including them.  They may or may not decrease menopausal symptoms but they certainly are good for you.