**10. Phytoestrogens**

Phytoestrogens (PEs) are the compounds found in plans and they are not generated within the endocrine system in the human body and are consumed by eating phytoestrogenic plants. They have roles in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, fats, and minerals in the human body and they act as estrogen hormone in the reproductive cycle in women [80]. There are three types of phytoestrogens, such as lignans (enterolactone or enterodiol), coumestans (coumestrol), and isoflavones (genistein, daidzein, glycitein).

#### **10.1 Sources**

The greater sources of phytoestrogens are soybeans, soy beverages, tofu, tempeh, linseed (flax), wheat, berries, sesame seeds, oats, barley, lentils, dried beans, rice, alfalfa, mung beans, apples, wheat germ, carrots, rice bran, and soy-linseed bread.

#### **10.2 Function**

There are several health benefits of phytoestrogens. They affect the cardiovascular system [80] and skeleton and reduce the incidence of osteoporosis [81] and menopausal symptoms [82]. Phytoestrogens have cell proliferation inhibiting factors that prevent cancer. They have positive effect on prostate cancer [83], breast cancer [84], thyroid cancer [85], colorectal cancer [86], skin cancer [87] and endometrial cancer [88]. Soy foods containing PEs improve control of blood glucose and insulin levels [89]. There are antibacterial and fungistatic activities in some phytoestrogens which play an antiviral role [90].
