Lecithin is a substance that occurs naturally in a number of foods such as peanuts, eggs, beef liver, oranges and cauliflower. For commercial supplement usage, egg yolks and soybeans are the most commonly used sources of lecithin. Soy lecithin is primarily used as an emulsifier because of its high lipid content. The process of extracting lecithin from soy takes out the protein and isoflavones that may be the most effective parts of the bean, but it's the combination of soy properties that make it valuable for your health, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. When you treat menopausal symptoms with soy, you will ingest the lecithin as well.
Ingredients
Soy also contains isoflavones, fiber and protein. Soy has an estrogenlike effect in the body, according to MayoClinic.com and studies on the use of soy to treat menopausal symptoms are limited. It's the soy isoflavones, also called phytoestrogens, that produce the greatest effect on menopausal symptoms. Taking soy supplements or eating foods high in soy may help reduce vaginal dryness, hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings.
Sources
You get soy lecithin, protein and isoflavones when you consume soy products. Because it is an effective source of healthy protein, a wide range of soy products is available in most grocery store aisles. Soybean flour, roasted soybeans, veggies burgers, tofu and tempeh are soy products. Hot dogs, peanut butter, yogurt, milk and cheese are available made with soy. In addition to reducing menopausal symptoms, soy may help reduce your risk of developing cardiovascular disease and breast cancer. Soy can improve your endurance and reduce arthritis symptoms.
How It Works
The complete soybean is rich in antioxidants. It contains vitamin E and B vitamins. Antioxidants fight the effects of free radicals that can exacerbate menopausal symptoms by causing inflammation and infections. Soy foods are also low in cholesterol, which can help prevent heart disease. Women in menopause have an increased risk of heart disease.
Warnings
While some studies promote the use of soy to reduce the risk of breast cancer, it can stimulate breast cancer growth if you've had the disease in the past. Additionally, the phytoestrogens may reduce the effectiveness of medications used to treat breast cancer. If you are allergic to soy, you shouldn't use any products that contain soy or soy lecithin to prevent side effects. The high levels phosphorous and potassium in soy may be harmful if you have kidney disease. Mild side effects of using soy products can result in digestive problems and constipation or diarrhea.
