Can an estrogen-rich diet increase breast size?

Hyderabad: A post claiming that eating an estrogen-rich diet can enlarge the breasts has gone viral on social media.

The viral post reads, "Estrogen is a hormone in the female body which controls the breast size in female body. Thus, by taking strogen rich food regularly. Your breasts will start to grow (sic)."

"Estrogen is a hormone that plays various roles in the body. In females, it helps develop and maintain both the reproductive system and female characteristics, such as breasts and pubic hair," according to Medical News Today.

Can estrogen-rich food induce breast growth in women? Let's find out.

FACT CHECK

Dietary estrogens are called phytoestrogens. These are naturally occurring plant compounds that may function similarly to the estrogen the human body produces.

Healthline weighs attention to the downside or the possible drawbacks of taking additional estrogen to enhance health. "Not all phytoestrogens function in the same way," it says.

"Research has found that phytoestrogens have both estrogenic and antiestrogenic effects. This means that some phytoestrogens have estrogen-like effects and increase estrogen levels in your body, while others block the hormone's effects and decrease estrogen levels. Because of their complex actions, phytoestrogens are a controversial topic in nutrition and health," the article added

"While some researchers have raised concerns that a high intake of phytoestrogens may cause hormonal imbalance, most evidence has linked them to positive health effects," it further said.

According to a study, there are some pros and cons to having phytoestrogens. The study states, "The question of whether or not phytoestrogens are beneficial or harmful to human health remains unresolved. The answer is likely complex and may depend on age, health status, and even the presence or absence of specific gut microflora."

Is it possible to increase breast size through a particular diet?

Healthline says, "The size of your breasts is largely determined by genetics. When women think about breast size, they often focus on breast volume or fullness. Other factors, such as chest circumference, also play a role in how large your breasts appear."

It adds, "No food or diet plan has been clinically proven to increase breast size. There are also no supplements, pumps, or creams that can make breasts larger. The best natural way to enhance the look of your breasts is to do exercises that strengthen the chest, back, and shoulder area. Good posture also helps."

It is evident that the efficacy of dietary estrogens for breast enlargement is not clinically proven yet. Hence, the claim is false.