Vegan-Forum

There are currently differing opinions about the role of phytoestrogens in health. For adults, when consumed as part of an ordinary diet, phytoestrogens are considered safe and possibly beneficial. Some studies on cancer incidences in different countries suggest that phytoestrogens may help protect against certain cancers (breast, uterus, and prostate). However, it is still unclear whether this beneficial effect is due to increased amounts of phytoestrogens in the diet or to the resulting low fat content of the diet. Similar beneficial effects of dietary phytoestrogen supplements have not been documented. On the contrary, eating very high levels of phytoestrogens may pose health risks. Studies with laboratory and farm animals, as well as wildlife eating high amounts of phytoestrogen-rich plants, have documented reproductive problems.