Dietary patterns that emphasize foods derived from plant sources, including vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds, while limiting or excluding animal products. These diets are characterized by a high intake of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients. From a hormonal perspective, they can significantly influence metabolic health, gut microbiome composition, and the clearance of circulating hormones.
Origin
The concept is rooted in traditional and historical dietary practices across various cultures, with the modern term popularized in nutritional science to categorize diets based on food source emphasis. The clinical relevance in endocrinology has grown with research into the effects of fiber and phytoestrogens on hormone metabolism.
Mechanism
Plant-based diets influence hormonal health primarily through their impact on insulin sensitivity and gut health. The high fiber content improves glucose metabolism and reduces insulin resistance, a key factor in many hormonal dysfunctions. Furthermore, specific compounds like lignans and isoflavones act as phytoestrogens, modulating estrogen receptor activity and influencing the enterohepatic circulation of estrogens, thereby supporting overall endocrine balance.
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