In recent studies it has been found that estrogen plays a vital role in the production of fat, especially in the belly area. The overproduction of estrogen is directly related to the accumulation of fat deposits. The main culprit in estrogen production is a type of fat called adipose fat cells. This type of fat is often added around the midsection, hips, and thighs.
The reason for the increased estrogen levels is twofold. As we age, our bodies convert androgens to estrogen at an ever-increasing rate. This is true in both men and women. The hormone estrogen is often not associated with men, but men develop increasing amounts of this hormone as we age.
The other form of increased estrogen can be attributed to the use of many chemicals and pesticides today. These chemicals contain estrogenic compounds known as xenoestrogens, these compounds can act in the body in the same way that estrogen does. We are exposed to these chemicals every day. They are also found in items like nail polish, lotions, soaps, plastics, and even our food. Contamination in food comes in the form of hormones that are used to increase the growth rate of our meat sources. Then these hormones are passed to us in small amounts when we eat these products. These amounts add up over time.
There are some ways to combat this problem by eating foods that contain alkaloids, these alkaloids combat the overproduction of estrogen. Some foods that contain these alkaloids are broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, onions and garlic. These contain an alkaloid called phytonutrients.