There are more and more greenhouse vegetables nowadays, and many off-season vegetables and fruits are ripened with hormones. If people eat such food for a long time, it may likely affect the secretion of hormones in their bodies.
During military training in college, there were significantly more boys than girls among those who were exhausted by the rigorous training. There is a popular saying on the internet, “Women are used as men, and men are used as beasts,” which may suit some men and women but does not represent everyone. Undeniably, some boys’ physical features are becoming more feminine, even showing signs like sparse body hair and breast enlargement. These boys are likely neglecting their diet, consuming excessive hormone-inducing food, disrupting their endocrine system and causing an increase in estrogen levels.
Many people wonder why there would be estrogen in men’s bodies. Isn’t estrogen unique to females?
Actually, both men and women have estrogen in their bodies. The difference is that estrogen dominates in women’s bodies with higher levels, while in men, estrogen exists in small amounts and plays a supportive role for testosterone. Normally, there is a balance between the two, but when the balance is disrupted and estrogen levels in men rise too high, it could lead to sparse body hair and breast development.
Estrogen in men mainly comes from two sources: one-third is produced in the testes, and two-thirds are converted from testosterone outside the testes. Estrogen also plays an essential role in men’s health. Therefore, if you notice an excess of estrogen in your body, it is important to take it seriously and consider consulting a doctor. Also, in your daily diet, it is advisable to consume foods that can help reduce estrogen levels. You can incorporate the following types of foods:
1. Mushrooms
Mushrooms like shiitake, crimini, portobello, and oyster mushrooms contain enzymes that inhibit estrogen synthesis, effectively reducing estrogen levels in the body. These inhibitory substances in mushrooms are both heat-resistant and water-soluble, ensuring their efficacy is retained even after cooking.
2. Soy Products
Soy products, especially soybeans, have unique effects on controlling estrogen levels in the body. When estrogen levels are high, they can help to lower estrogen, and when levels are low, they can help increase estrogen. Therefore, soy products can be beneficial regardless of your hormone levels.
3. Foods rich in selenium and zinc also have a special effect on balancing estrogen.
Oysters, bluefish, eel, kelp, legumes, sesame seeds, walnuts, and other foods rich in selenium and zinc are recommended for consumption.
In addition to foods that can be eaten in abundance, there are also foods to be avoided in daily diet. Foods with high hormone content, such as chicken, should be consumed in moderation. Spicy and stimulating foods can also affect hormone secretion and are best avoided. Furthermore, it is important to refrain from taking hormone-related medications casually as they can disrupt the body’s endocrine balance, which is harmful to health.
