phytoestrogen

[ fahy-toh-es-truh-juhn ]

noun

1. an estrogenlike compound occurring naturally in plants of the legume family and in grains, vegetables, and fruits.

phytoestrogen

/ ˌfaɪtəʊˈiːstrədʒən /

noun

1. any of various plant compounds which have oestrogenic properties

Word History and Origins

Origin of phytoestrogen¹

First recorded in 1960–65; phyto- + estrogen

Example Sentences

Isoflavones are a class of phytoestrogen compounds well studied for their benefits to human health, which include prevention of cardiovascular disease and some cancers.

From Science Daily

Flax is a risk source of high-quality protein and potassium and contains lignans, which are phytoestrogen and antioxidants.

From US News

Soy has a controversial reputation, since it contains phytoestrogen plant compounds that may or may not like the hormone estrogen, which is linked to breast cancer.

From Time

Even in that short time, the study found, about 20 percent of the women using soy developed high blood concentrations of genistein, a soy phytoestrogen.

From US News

Despite concerns about its phytoestrogen content, eating soy has not been shown to promote breast cancer.

From New York Times