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Soy Isoflavone Benefits

Soybeans contain vegetable protein, unsaturated fats and chemicals called isoflavones. Isoflavones, also known as phytoestrogens, have been shown to have several health benefits. According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, soybeans are the richest plant source for isoflavones, and consuming soy instead of animal foods could benefit your health.

  1. Cholesterol Reduction

    • According to the New England Journal of Medicine, patients consuming diets with an increased soy content showed a significant reduction in total blood cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and triglycerides in 38 clinical studies. Consuming soy protein did not seem to significantly affect HDL or "good" cholesterol levels, but some study participants did show an increase. The type of soy protein consumed did not significantly affect cholesterol. Benefits were found in all patients who consumed increased soy protein. People who already had quite low blood cholesterol levels experienced less change.

    Heart Disease Prevention

    • According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, soy isoflavones may reduce the risk of heart disease. They reduce the chances that fat in food will oxidize in the body. Oxidized lipids have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Isoflavones may also help relax coronary arteries and are anti-inflammatory, a property which may help protect blood vessels from damage.

    Improved Bone Density

    • Foods rich in isoflavones have been shown to reduce turnover of bone cells, and may help limit the effects of osteoporosis. According to the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, soy isoflavones improve the mineral density of the lumbar spine. Japanese women have long been noted for their low levels of osteoporosis, possibly caused by a high soy protein intake.

    Menopausal Symptom Relief

    • Isoflavones found in soy may also reduce the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. According to PubMed.gov, 40 women treated with soy isoflavones showed a decrease in menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Soy protein causes these symptoms to become both less severe and less frequent, allowing women in menopause to live more normal lives.

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