Peas and phytoestrogens

[GreenWing]

We've grown a lot of snap peas in our garden, and Chance LOVES them. I am concerned, though, about the phytoestrogens that are in peas, and if these phytoestrogens can affect her and her hormones?

We feed her a variety of garden grown vegetables, but the peas are her favorite because they're forage-able. She tears apart the pod and even eats parts of the pod to get to the peas.

How much is too much? Should we only feed them to her maybe once or twice a week?

[Harpmaker]

Good question! Corsair also loves snap peas, and it never occurred to me to worry about the phytoestrogens.

[Pajarita]

Snap peas are OK. There are three different types of phytoestrogens, isoflavones, lignans and coumestans and they are only bad when the levels are very high and, most especially, when they are combined. Soy is bad because it's the highest source of isoflavones plus it has high coumestans which attach themselves to estrogen receptors so the effect is enhanced. Lignans are mostly found in plant fiber and, although it is absorbed by the body, the mere nature of fiber makes them not as dangerous (flax and sesame seed are both very high in lignans which are excellent antioxidants with anti-inflammatory properties).

[bpdowell]

I have Amazons and Grays, and all four absolutely love sugar snap peas. Their exact ages are unknown, but we have had the Amazon's for 31 years and the Grays for 32. Every morning we prepare a breakfast of vegetables, fruit and any leftover Spanish rice, mashed potatoes or about anything we eat they like, too. Happy to have found this forum!

[moderndaydinosaurs]

Regarding soy (or any food really) I would just like to say that it's fine in moderation. My birds all love soybeans. In fact, they are one of my grey's favorites. I offer them maybe once every week or two. They are packed with great nutrients, even if they could pose a risk when offered too often.

[Pajarita]

No soy for my animals. Not even once in a blue moon. Plenty of other foods that are just as nutritious and much less risky.