Lignans have anti-estrogenic properties that mimic estrogen and bind to estrogen receptors, but they do not have the same antagonistic effects of estrogen. Plant estrogens are a cleaner form of estrogen and when more plant lignans are consumed, more normally occurring (endogenous) estrogen is flushed out of the body. It is believed that this is the mechanism behind the studies that indicate better ovarian and uterine health.