Alfalfa Sprouts Connected with Prevention of Menopausal SymptomsOsteoporosis

AlfalfaSprouts Connected with Prevention of Menopausal Symptoms
Osteoporosis, Cancerand Heart Disease

ANews Extract from the Annual Review of Nutrition

17:353-3811997

DietaryPhytoestrogens

 

ByKurtzer MS,Xu X

Studiesin humans, animals and cell culture systems suggest that dietaryphytoestrogens play an important role in prevention of menopausal symptoms,osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease. Broadly defined;, phytoestrogens include isoflavones, coumestans, andlignans.  Alfalfa sprouts,soybeans, clover and oilseeds (such as flaxseed) are the most significantdietary sources of isoflavones, coumestans, and lignans, respectively. A number of these compounds have been identified in fruits, vegetablesand whole grains commonly consumed by humans.

Althoughthere currently are no dietary recommendations for individual phytoestrogens,there may be great benefit in increased consumption of plant foods; especiallysprouts such as Alfalfa, Clover and Soybean, and flaxseed.

Proposed mechanismsinclude estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects, induction of cancer celldifferentiation, inhibition of tyrosine kinase and DNA topoisomerase activities,suppression of angiogenesis, and antioxidant effects.