Time will tell whether the plant-derived forms of synthetic estrogen will reduce heart attack risk. W hile data is accumulating on synthetic estrogens, natural estrogens are safe and available. Instead of creating life-threatening conditions, phytoestrogens and other plant substances appear to protect against them. Phytoestrogens are part of a group of substances known as phytochemicals-beneficial substances from plants. One of the ways phytochemicals may protect against heart disease is by scavenging free radicals.
Free radicals oxidize fat.
People with heart disease have abnormally high amounts of oxidized fat in their arteries. The antioxidant protection of phytochemicals also decreases DNA damage to mitochondria. This is important because mitochondria are the power source for the heart. When they break down, heart muscle suffers. Phytochemicals are broken down into categories.