What specific phytoestrogens found in alfalfa sprouts might mitigate menopause symptoms?
Answer
Coumestans.
For women experiencing hormonal fluctuations associated with menopause, alfalfa sprouts are often suggested due to their content of phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are naturally occurring plant compounds that possess a chemical structure allowing them to weakly mimic the effect of the body's natural estrogen hormone. Within this class of compounds, alfalfa specifically harbors coumestans. The theory posits that the inclusion of coumestans in the diet may provide a mild estrogenic signal to the body, potentially helping to lessen the severity or frequency of common menopausal complaints, such as sudden episodes of excessive body heat known as hot flashes, which are typically linked to declining endogenous estrogen levels.
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