Isoflavones

For many centuries, the main food source in the Orient has been soya beans, which were introduced to the Japanese by the Chinese as long ago as the 7^th Century.  Unfortunately, the beans did not reach Europe for another millennium, and consequently did not establish themselves as a daily source of nutrition in the same way.  It has recently come to light that many oriental women do not suffer from menopausal symptoms (the Japanese do not even have a word for hot flush), and this has been directly linked to their high intake of soya.

The Benefits of Isoflavones

Menopause – research carried out on isoflavones as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has shown them to be effective in reducing hot flushes, headaches, irritability and vaginal dryness.

Osteoporosis – Japanese women who eat a lot of soya are known to have a reduced incidence of osteoporosis.  Isoflavones help achieve a balanced oestrogen level, which can help maintain bone strength and may prevent osteoporosis.

Cardiovascular Disease – Isoflavones possess antioxidant action, and not only help to decrease the bad LDL cholesterol, but also increase the beneficial HDL cholesterol.

Anti-cancer – the phytoestrogens found in soya have been linked to a lower frequency of cancers in the group of people who have a high proportion of soya in their diets.  The beneficial effect can be found in men as well as in women.

Properties

Genistein, Daidzein and Glycitein – these soya oestrogens as a group are known as isoflavones and exhibit phytoestrogenic activity.  They have also been noted for their antioxidant properties.  It is the presence of these phytoestrogens and the fact that they exhibit antioxidant activity that is responsible for the beneficial effects described above.

Contra-indications/Precautions

None known.

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