However, these patients are still at increased risk of heart disease. Lupus causes inflammation of the heart, resulting in an increased rate of heart attacks and artery disease, even in young patients in their 20s.
Phyto- is from the Greek phyton meaning plant. A phytoestrogen is a naturally-occurring plant nutrient that exerts an estrogen-like action on the body. Scientists have discovered hundreds of phytoestrogens including soybeans, whole grains, seeds (especially flax), nuts (especially walnuts) and many herbs.
Phytoestrogens are estrogen hormone-like chemicals found in plants. They include a group of chemicals such as isoflavones, flavones, coumestans and lignans. What makes this group of estrogen-like chemicals of medical interest is that their chemical structure is similar to that of estrogen in human body.