A wide variety of commonly consumed foods contain a wide variety of phytoestrogens; some 300 plants (such as soybeans, parsley, garlic, wheat, rice, cherries, coffee and many more) have substantial levels of at least 20 different phytoestrogens. Historically, Hippocrates used Queen Anne?s lace to enhance contraception and today, Australians are only too familiar with the reproductive disorders in sheep feeding on certain species of clover. Phytoestrogens are generally weaker than ?true?estrogens, but are more soluble and can exert systemic effects. Since they have both agonistic and antagonistic properties, there is growing evidence that they may be beneficial in delaying or preventing cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and perhaps some cancers.
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