Soy and red clover are often associated with relieving common menopausal symptoms due largely to their isoflavone content. Isolfavones are chemicals that may have similar effects on the body as the female sex hormone estrogen. The potential health benefits of both red clover and soy may extend beyond female reproductive issues, notes the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine or NCCAM. Talk to your health care provider before taking soy or red clover for medical reasons.
Bone Density
As estrogen levels begin to wane during menopause, a woman is more likely to develop the bone degenerative condition osteoporosis. Soy foods may help fend off osteoporosis by increasing bone mineral density, or BMD.
A study published in June 2007 in the "Annals of Internal Medicine," found bone health improved in postmenopausal women with unusually low BMD or osteopenia after two years of treatment with a type of isoflavone in soybeans called genistein. The Italian study, which involved nearly 400 postmenopausal women, was headed by H. Marini of the Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria and Policlinico G. Martino, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
A proprietary extract of red clover isoflavones may also improve BMD and slow the progression of bone loss in premenopausal women, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center or UMMC.
Heart Health
Adding 25 grams of soy protein to your diet each day may help protect against heart disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Soy protein contains healthy polyunsaturated fat, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
The isoflavones contained in red clover may also lower the risk of cardiovascular disease, notes the UMMC. A study involving rabbits published in August 2007 in the journal "Phytotherapy Research" suggests that dietary red clover may lower cardiovascular risk factors. The study was headed by S. Asgary of the Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, a WHO Collaborating Center, Isfahan.
Red clover may also prevent blood clots and encourage blood flow due to its purported blood-thinning properties.
Cancer
The isoflavones contained in red clover show promise in halting the growth of or even killing cancer cells in test tubes. Eating a diet rich in soy protein may help prevent certain cancers including prostate, breast and endometrial cancer, reports the UMMC.
Brain Health
Soy and red clover may both affect brain function. Eating soy may guard against age-related memory loss, reports Harvard School of Public Health. Red clover may have mood enhancing and calming effects on the brain.
A study published in March 2010 in "Maturitas" found postmenopausal women who took 80 mg of red clover twice daily for a period of 90 days reported less anxiety and depression.
The research was lead by M. Lipovac of the Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology General Teaching Hospital Korneuburg, Austria.
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