Isoflavones are a plant estrogen found mainly in soybeans that mimics human estrogen. They also have antioxidant qualities and are thought to be a protector against some diseases. The health benefits of soy isoflavones are still under investigation, and there is some evidence that they can have harmful effects, including increased incidence of epithelial hyperplasia, goiter and hyperthyroidism, according to Isoflavones.info.
Menopause Relief
Symptoms of menopause include hot flashes and loss of bone density in women. Some women seek estrogen therapy to relieve and combat the effects and symptoms of menopause, and some studies show that soy isoflavones are a natural alternative to tradition estrogen therapy, according to the Feminist Women's Health Center of Washington State. The site cites University of Illinois and University of Hong Kong studies which concluded that the consumption of soy isoflavones "can increase bone mineral content and bone density," and a University of Texas study suggested that "isoflavones may also stimulate bone formation."
Heart Health
Soy isoflavones may lower the risk of heart disease in some people. According to the Feminist Women's Health Center, isoflavones may help reduce the fatty buildup, or plaque, in arteries that can lead to heart attack or stroke. Theories differ on whether this is a result of the isoflavones in soy, or if, according to the American Heart Association, it could be a result of the "high content of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals and a low content of saturated fat."
Disease Prevention
Soy isoflavones have antioxidant properties--as much as vitamin E, according to Isoflavones.info. Antioxidants help to reduce the damage done by free radicals, which attack the body's cells and can cause cancer and other illnesses.
Anti-Aging
A study conducted at the Pharmaceutical & Health Research Institute in Korea showed that dietary isoflavones had an anti-aging effect on laboratory mice that had been photo-aged and administered soy isoflavones orally over a four-week period. The group treated with isoflavones showed less wrinkling and a better overall appearance, and the "amount of collagen deposition was higher in the isoflavone group."
References
- Isoflavones.info: Isoflavones
- Feminist Women's Health Center: The Healing Power of Soy's Isoflavones
- American Heart Association: Soy Protein, Isoflavones, and Cardiovascular Health
- Journal of the American College of Nutrition: Protective Effects of Dietary Soy Isoflavones against UV-Induced Skin-Aging in Hairless Mouse Model
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