Phytoestrogens appear to be a new class of brain food, as they have recently been shown to improve memory and cognition, as well as mood in postmenopausal women. (Fertil Steril 2006;85:972-978)
What are phytoestrogens? They are chemicals found in plants that have an effect similar to estrogen. Estrogen is primarily a female sex hormone made in the ovaries that affects multiple parts of the body, including the brain. Males, however, also generate estrogen, albeit in smaller amounts.
Here’s a list of some foods that contain phytoestrogens:
- whole grains (oats, millet, wheat, rye)
- seeds (pumpkin, flax, sunflower, sesame)
- lima beans, soybeans, red lentils, kidney beans
- almonds
- olives and olive oil
- leafy greens
Tags: Postmenopausal
