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Benefits of Isoflavones

The isoflavones found in soy foods are also known as phytoestrogens. These phytoestrogens have shown beneficial effects if consumed in the right amounts. The benefits of isoflavones include skeletal disease prevention, lowering (bad) cholesterol, and cancer prevention. However, there are conflicting studies about the real effects of isoflavones in humans. Hence, it is best to consume isoflavone-rich foods within the daily allowable limits.

  1. Definition

    • An isoflavone is a type of flavonoid, which is a phytochemical that protects your body against toxic substances. The common sources of isoflavones in the human diet include soybeans, tofu, bean curd, and soy milk.

    Lowering LDL (Bad Cholesterol)

    • Isoflavones found in fruits and vegetables are micronutrients that your body needs to maintain a healthy heart. The Harvard School of Public Health states that "the American Heart Association recommends eating 50 grams of soy a day to reduce the level of blood cholesterol and risk of heart diseases." (See Reference 1)

    Skeletal Disease Prevention

    • The results of pharmacological studies---conducted by J. Chen and other Asian researchers---suggested "an isoflavone derivative exhibits anticancer effect, or causes human osteosarcoma cell death." (See References 2) In other words, isoflavones kill the tumor cells that cause the skeletal disease osteosarcoma.
      However, the evidence of isoflavones' effect in human bones, according to a report summarized by the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), "is conflicting" and needs further studies. (See References 3)

    Menopausal Symptom Treatment

    • Isoflavones mimic the action of your body's estrogen, a hormone that is deficient in menopausal women. Deficiency of estrogen may cause undesirable body changes such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. A diet rich in isoflavones, such as soybeans, according to Peter Chen, M.D. of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, "would therefore be expected to improve symptoms of vaginal dryness." (See Resources 1) However, sensitivity to hormone levels may differ in each individual. Hence, it is best to consult your physician on how to manage undesirable menopausal symptoms.

    Chemo Prevention

    • Isoflavones also exhibit non-hormonal properties such as "cell apoptosis" (programmed cell death), which may reduce the risk of some diseases such as colon cancer. For instance, isoflavones may be directed to bind with carcinogens (cancer-causing cells) and then, by cell apoptosis, the death of carcinogens is induced. Isoflavones are listed under the Chemopreventive Agents of the National Cancer Institute, Division of Cancer Prevention---and studies regarding the exact mechanism on how isoflavones prevent cancer are still underway.

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