A Commentary on Phytoestrogens and Disease

On the most basic level, phytoestrogens can be defined as compounds found in plants that exhibit estrogen-like activity in the human body. Phytoestrogens are considered functional foods because of their diverse physiological effects beyond basic nutritional functions. The 2 primary categories of phytoestrogens found in food are lignans and isoflavones. Lignans are one major class of phytoestrogens and act as antioxidants in the body and are sources of dietary fiber, found in flaxseed, sesame seed, and some cereal grains. Isoflavones may act as phytoestrogens in the body and are found in legumes. There has been a significant amount of scientific research conducted on the health effects of dietary phytoestrogen, resulting in persuasive evidence of both the benefits and dangers of their consumption. Clinical recommendations have shifted significantly over time in response to emerging research findings, which has led to confusion in the general public and inconsistent medical advice from health care providers and health educators. The purpose of this commentary is to clarify the link between dietary consumption of foods with phytoestrogen content and disease to health educators, such that they will be able to advise others with current information.