Isoflavones are small organic compounds that are found naturally in some plant products but most notably in legumes. The major dietary source of plant isoflavones is from soy bean-based food products. Structurally, isoflavones resemble the female sex hormone estrogen. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the similarities between the chemical structures allow isoflavones to have a weak estrogenic effect when consumed and metabolized. Isoflavones have also been indicated as having therapeutic benefits for certain conditions, including menopausal symptoms.
Menopause Treatment
Older women who surpass childbearing age cease ovulation, a process that also results in a decrease in hormone production of estrogen and progesterone. Reduced hormones tend to cause symptoms associated with variations in body temperature in the form of hot flashes or night sweats. Treatment for menopausal symptoms can vary but often includes lifestyle modulation and prescriptive hormone replacement therapy. According to Tufts Medical Center, soy-based isoflavones were studied as an alternative treatment option for menopause symptoms. However, the results of their studies showed mixed effectiveness and do not suggest that you try to treat your menopause symptoms with isoflavones on your own.
Cancer Implications
There is some evidence to suggest that soy-based isoflavones may have some protective benefit against certain cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, there is a much lower incidence and mortality rate of both breast and prostate cancer in Asian cultures that consume much more soy-based food products. Unfortunately, studies that have probed the protective effects of soy isoflavones against breast and prostate cancer have been largely inconsistent. Further research is needed to evaluate the potential anticancer benefits of dietary isoflavones.
Cardiovascular Health
Soy isoflavones have been implicated in improving cardiovascular health by lowering "bad" LDL cholesterol and increasing "good" HDL cholesterol. However, according to a review published in the Jan. 17, 2006, issue of "Circulation," there have been conflicting reports regarding the effectiveness of soy isoflavones and improvement of cardiovascular health. This report, prepared by an advisory committee from the American Heart Association, highlights the overall benefit of soy-based foods over animal-based foods because they are lower in saturated fats and richer in nutrients like vitamins, minerals and fiber. They do not recommend that you take isoflavone supplements to improve cardiovascular health.
Osteoporosis
As you age there is an increased risk for the reduction in bone mass, which results in the thinning of your bone density, ultimately leaving you at higher risk for fractures and chronic bone pain. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, soy-based isoflavone supplementation may actually stimulate bone building and inhibit bone resorption, or breakdown.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Isoflavones and Lignans
- Tufts Medical Center: Natural and Alternative Treatment Study Report: Soy Aglycone Isoflavones for Menopausal Hot Flashes
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Soy Isoflavones
- "Circulation": Soy Protein, Isoflavones, and Cardiovascular Health; Frank M. Sacks et.al; Jan.17, 2006
