Abstract

ESTROGEN SUPPLEMENTS IN INDIAN CULINARY

Sailekha P.* and Sudhikumar K. B.

ABSTRACT

Estrogen is a hormone that plays various roles in the body. Females create more of it and it helps to develop and maintain both the reproductive system and female characteristics. Estrogen plays different roles in the body other than reproductive system and the variation in estrogen levels affects the body. The decline of Estrogen level during menopausal period can affect the body from mere discomforts to major diseases. Phytoestrogens which are naturally occurring in plant compounds have structurally and/or functionally similarity to mammalian estrogens and their active metabolites. They are attributed with health benefits including a lowered risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, breast cancer, and menopausal symptoms. Knowing the regional plants which have Phytoestrogens and their judicious intake will help to manage the estrogen deficiency during the menopausal period.

Keywords: Estrogen, Phytoestrogen.