Isoflavones in Soybeans

What are isoflavones?

Isoflavones are phytochemicals, which are compounds found only in plants. They are also a type of phytoestrogen that resembles human estrogen in chemical structure yet are weaker. By mimicking human estrogen at certain sites in the body, isoflavones provide many health benefits that help you to avoid disease. Isoflavones are found in soybeans, chick peas and other legumes. However, soybeans are unique because they have the highest concentration of these powerful compounds.

Health effects of isoflavones

Lower cancer risk - Epidemiological studies have suggested that Asian diets may provide protection from several cancers, including those of the breast, prostate gland and colon. The action of isoflavones as weak estrogens allows them to bind to estrogen receptors and block some of the detrimental effects of estrogen - such as promotion of cancer cell growth. Tamoxifen, a prescription drug for treating breast cancer, is though to act as an anti-estrogen by binding to the estrogen receptor and "blocking" the growth-promoting effects of estrogen in cancer cells. Women using tamoxifen have a lower incidence of breast cancer and a 30-40% reduction in breast cancer cell growth rate. The isoflavones in soy are chemically similar to tamoxifen and, therefore, may also reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers via the same "estrogen-blocking" mechanism.

Improved bone health - Isoflavones consumption has been shown to reduce bone loss and slow calcium loss in an animal model of osteoporosis, suggesting a possible beneficial role in preventing osteoporosis in humans. In addition, soybeans contain a relatively high calcium content. It is also interesting to note that soy protein seems to cause less loss of calcium from the body compared to other dietary sources of protein, which may promote calcium loss and bone breakdown at high levels. Ipriflavone, a synthetic isoflavone drug prescribed in Europe, is metabolized in the body into daidzein, and has potent effects on reducing bone resorption in post-menopausal women.

Relieves menopause symptoms - Soyfoods which contain isoflavones may help in the treatment of menopause symptoms. In women who are producing little estrogen, phytoestrogens may produce enough estrogenic activity to relieve symptoms such as hot flushes. From an epidemiological point of view, it is interesting that in Japan, where soy consumption is very high, menopause symptoms of any kind are rarely reported.

Lowers cholesterol- Isoflavones possess anti-oxidant action, and not only help to decrease the bad LDL cholesterol, but also increase the beneficial HDL cholesterol.

Health benefits of isoflavones

Research in several areas of healthcare has shown that consumption of isoflavones may play a role in lowering risk for disease. They can fight disease on several fronts. The following potential health benefits are attributed to isoflavones:

• Ease menopause symptoms - The benefits of soy go beyond reducing long-term cancer risk. Recent studies have found that soy isoflavones can reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flushes and increase bone density in women. Indeed, many menopausal and post-menopausal health problems may result from a lack of isoflavones in the typical Western diet. Although study results are not entirely consistent, isoflavones from soy or red clover may be helpful for symptoms of menopause. A study carried out by "Health Test" in 2004 investigated the prescription behaviour of 27 doctors for women with menopause symptoms. It showed that isoflavones were recommended twice (44%) as often as hormonal treatment (22%). The prescribed supplements were mainly based on the following plants: soy, black cohosh and hops.
  
  
• Reduce heart disease risk - Soy isoflavones also appear to reduce cardiovascular disease risk via several distinct mechanisms. Isoflavones inhibit the growth of cells that form artery clogging plaque. These arteries usually form blood clots which can lead to a heart attack. A review of 38 controlled studies on soy and heart disease concluded that soy is definitely effective for improving cholesterol profile. There is some evidence that isoflavones are the active ingredients in soy responsible for improving cholesterol profile.
  
  
• Protect against prostate problems - Isoflavones may be benificial for men's health because they may protect against enlargement of the male prostate gland. Studies show isoflavones slowed prostate cancer growth and caused prostate cancer cells to die. Isoflavones act against cancer cells in a way similar to many common cancer-treating drugs.
  
  
• Isoflavones improve bone health - Soy Isoflavones help in the preservation of the bone substance and fight osteoporosis. This is the reason why people in China and Japan very rarely have osteoporosis, despite their low consumption of dairy products, whereas in Europe and North America the contrary happens. Unlike estrogen, which helps prevent the destruction of bone, evidence suggests that isoflavones may also assist in creating new bone. Other studies are not entirely consistent, but evidence suggests that genistein and other soy isoflavones can help prevent osteoporosis.
  
  
• Reduce cancer risk - Isoflavones seem to be protect agains tumors because thet act against cancer cells in a way similar to many common cancer-treating drugs. Population-based studies show a strong association between consumption of isoflavones and a reduced risk of breast and endometrial cancer. Women who ate the most soy products and other foods rich in isoflavones reduced their risk of endometrial cancer by 54%.

Isoflavones are natural plant hormones

Isoflavones can be found in many foods but the best known source is the soy bean (Glycine max). The soy isoflavones are responsible for most of the soy health benefits. The Soy bean is a plant cultivated as foodstuff whose health properties have recently been discovered. Thorough studies have revealed that the consumption of the soy beans have favourable effects on people's health. Another source of isoflavones is red clover. As opposed to soy beans, red clover is normally not eaten but the isoflavones are extracted in industrial processes and used to make isoflavones supplements.

Isoflavones are natural antioxidants

A recent study has demonstrated that isoflavones have potent antioxidant properties, comparable to that of the well known antioxidant vitamin E. The antioxidant powers of isoflavones can reduce the long-term risk of cancer by preventing free radical damage to DNA. Genistein is the most potent antioxidant among the soy isoflavones, followed by daidzein.

Source : http://www.isoflavones.info/