The average life span of Americans is increasing steadily and most people may expect to live long, active, and healthy lives. However, as we age some bodily functions gradually change, leading to a higher incidence of certain conditions. These include hypertension, loss of bone mass or osteoporosis, a gradual decrease in the sharpness of memory, and mood changes. Red clover and soy products contain phytoestrogens, which are naturally occurring, estrogen-like compounds. Some of these compounds, especially isoflavones, may slow or prevent several age-related changes that are common in both men and women. Consult a doctor before adding red clover, red clover extract, or soy products to your diet to determine what is appropriate for you.
Cholesterol
High levels of blood cholesterol are linked to heart disease and may gradually increase with age, especially in post-menopausal women. In a paper published in the journal "Climacteric" in 2006, Dr Stacie Geller, Ph.D and Laura Studee, MPH, examined the effect of isoflavones in red clover and soy on several age-related changes. They found that extracts from soy and red clover tend to lower blood cholesterol and improve overall lipid profiles. They state that these items are generally safe and thus recommend adding both to the diet. Consult your doctor to determine what is best for you.
Osteoporosis
Although both men and women may develop osteoporosis, women are four times more likely to suffer from the disorder than men. In their study, Geller and Studee also report on several clinical trials in which some menopausal women consumed soy and red clover while others did not. The studies found higher bone mineral densities in the women who ate the soy and clover than in those that took a placebo.
Cognition and Mood
Several studies suggest that isoflavones found in soy or in red clover may improve forgetfulness and raise mood in older women, as reported by Geller and Studee in their paper. In addition, in a 2009 paper from "Maturitas," Dr. M. Lipovac et al report that red clover extract significantly improves mood and suppresses anxiety in postmenopausal women.
References
- MayoClinic.com: What to Expect As You Get Older.
- MedlinePlus: Seniors' Health
- PubMed.gov: "Soy and Red Clover for Midlife and Aging", Geller, S. and Studee, L., Climacteric, 2006.
- Maturitis: Improvement of postmenopausal depressive and anxiety symptoms after treatment with isoflavones derived from red clover extracts"; Markus Lipovac et al; 2009
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