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Soy Isoflavones

Soy Isoflavones

Aid Overall Health

Soy isoflavones are phytochemicals which are found in soybeans. Phytochemicals, according to the USDA Food and Nutrition Information Center, are natural compounds that are often, but not always, antioxidants.

Soy isoflavones are antioxidants. Antioxidants have many different health benefits. They primarily protect the body from the development of free radicals, which can lead to a variety of different health problems and disease.

What’s interesting about soybeans is that a study conducted on the use of soybeans in Asian cultures led to the discovery of phytoestrogen, which is found in soy isoflavones. As a result, soy isoflavones are often used to supplement estrogen in women who don’t want to take synthetic products.

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Summary

The Benefits of Soy Isoflavones According to the Mayo Clinic, sufficient studies have been conducted on soybeans to prove their usefulness for many health problems. Soybeans are made up of fiber, protein and isoflavones, all of which have excellent health benefits. In a vegetarian or v... more

The Benefits of Soy Isoflavones

According to the Mayo Clinic, sufficient studies have been conducted on soybeans to prove their usefulness for many health problems. Soybeans are made up of fiber, protein and isoflavones, all of which have excellent health benefits.

In a vegetarian or vegan diet, soybeans can provide an ample source for protein in lieu of meat, fish and eggs. Of course, you would still want to round out your diet with fruit, veggies, nuts and hemp, but soybeans make an excellent substitute for the types of protein vegans don’t consume.

Soy milk is often used as an alternative to milk based products for infants because it is easier on their stomachs. Soy milk is also good for people who are lactose intolerant or are allergic to cow’s milk.

Scientific Evidence of the Uses of Soy Isoflavones

There are different levels of information available in terms of the support of the use of soy isoflavones in the mainstream medical community. Despite the many studies that have been conducted, there is no conclusive proof for the use of soy isoflavones in lieu of other medicines.

Some of the more promising studies show the possible benefits of soy isoflavones for:

  • Reducing the risk of breast cancer
  • Reducing the risk of colon cancer
  • Decreasing the risk of cardiovascular disease

Phytoestrogen, which is a component of soy isoflavones, is often used for the treatment of:

  • Menopause
  • Heart disease
  • Osteoporosis

However, according to the Mayo Clinic, using phytoestrogen for these reasons has only produced limited results. It is for this reason that it is important that you don’t forgo prescribed medication while taking soy isoflavones.

The Concerns about Soy Isoflavones

Believe it or not, there are some concerns about soy isoflavones as well and for a couple of different reasons. Soy allergies are very common. If you have a severe allergy to soy, then you may suffer serious side effects, mental confusion, or anaphylaxis.

Another major concern has come up in some studies on people of other cultures who ingest a lot of soy isoflavones. People in Africa, who get their soy isoflavones directly from the soybean, have actually shown an increase in the incidence of liver and pancreatic cancer.  

It is unclear as to why the increase of soy foods would cause an increase in cancer rates. Some scientists speculate that it is due to the phytoestrogen found in soy isoflavones.

Probably the biggest concern about soy isoflavones is the processing of the soybeans when they are harvested. Not all soy products are safe to eat.

Soybeans should be fermented to ensure completely safety. During the fermentation process, it often happens that many of the vitamin contents of soy are reduced.

Dr. Kaayla T. Daniel, PhD, CCN calls herself the Naughty Nutritionist because she exposes myths about nutrition. She claims that there are studies that prove that too much soy in the diet can lead to a myriad of health problems. Dr. Daniel asserts that soy has been linked to brain damage, infertility, birth defects and more.

Supplements Containing Soy Isoflavones

You will find that soy isoflavones are available from a variety of supplement companies, generally in caplets. They range in price from $2 to $60, depending on the brand, where they are made and how many caplets are in a bottle.

Some of the marketing claims for soy isoflavones supplements include:

  • Menopause relief
  • Increased bone density
  • Prevents cancer
  • Prevents heart attacks
  • Boosts the immune system
  • Reduces plaque buildup in the arteries
  • Extends life
  • Weight loss
  • Supports a healthy prostate
  • General good health

The Mayo Clinic says that there are sufficient studies to support the use of soy isoflavones for some of these things, but not sufficient enough to replace medications provided by your doctor.

If you are taking any medication or have any preexisting medical conditions, then you should speak to your doctor before taking soy isoflavones. This will ensure that you don’t take anything that will worsen your condition or interfere with the medications that you are taking.

To locate and compare different products that contain soy isoflavones, use the supplement finder now!

Other

  • Side Effects
  • Other Names
  • Uses
Allergic Reaction
Birth Defects
Infertility
Brain Damage
May Be Carcinogenic
Soy
Antioxidant
Bone Density
Boosts Immune System
Heart Disease Prevention
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Prevents Heart Attack
Prostate Health
Reduce Arterial Plaque
Weight Loss
May Decrease Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
May Reduce Risk Of Certain Cancers