Effects of Isoflavones

Antioxidants known as isoflavones have been incorporated into diets for hundreds of years. Derived from the soybean plant, isoflavones have several health benefits relative to cancer prevention and heart disease. Many dietary sources like tofu and soy milk are available for people who wish to reap the benefits of isoflavones; specific doses of isoflavones are required to alleviate various health impediments like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. While isoflavones are considered an appealing "alternative medicine," it is also important to understand the side effects associated with taking them.

• Vast soybean field.

Benefits

• A patient with cancerous lesions.

  Similar to estrogen, isoflavones have many health benefits. According to the online article "Soy Isoflavones" on vitamins-supplements.org, soy isoflavones can help to treat or prevent breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and colon cancer. Acting as antioxidants, isoflavones can help put a stop to uncontrolled cell growth associated with cancer by regulating cell division. Asian countries such as China and Japan that maintain a soy diet tend to experience a reduced risk of cancer compared to the United States or Canada.

  Isoflavones are also known to keep female hormonal problems at bay. For example, they may reduce the symptoms of menopause, which include hot flashes and night sweats. They are also useful in the prevention of osteoporosis as bone mineral density is increased. Also taken when treating LDL cholesterol, isoflavones reduce the amount of plaque that forms in blood vessels, preventing the onset of heart disease.

Sources

• A glass of soy milk has high concentrations of isoflavones.

  Bean products, especially those made with soybeans, contain the highest levels of isoflavones. Tofu and soy milk are two commonly available products made from soybeans. Vegetables and grains also contain isoflavones; however, they only have minute amounts so people may also include supplements of isoflavones in their diet. These supplements are available as capsules and tablets in most drug stores.

Recommended Dosages

• The fat that sticks to blood vessels and accumulates to form plaque or high cholesterol.

  The North American Menopause Society reports that 50 mg per day of isoflavones can reduce cholesterol while 40 to 80 mg per day may improve high blood pressure. Formal recommendations for taking isoflavones have yet to be set by the Food and Drug Administration.

Side Effects

• Rows of products used for upset stomach and diarrhea, minor side effects of isoflavones.

  While soy products have many health benefits, they also carry potential side effects. These side effects mainly occur in people who are allergic to soybeans. Side effects may include upset stomach, constipation, and diarrhea, according to vitamins-supplements.com. Soy products can create new health problems as well. By reducing thyroid function, people may have an increased risk of bladder cancer and develop kidney stones.

Considerations

• Jars of soy peanut butter.

  Isoflavones are beneficial to people as they carry many health benefits, including protection from cancer and heart disease. People can reap these benefits through the consumption of soy products. However, many naysayers dismiss the use of isoflavones as evidence exists that it can contribute to the development of conditions such as bladder cancer and minor symptoms like diarrhea and vomiting. In the midst of this debate, people must weight the benefits against the risks before deciding to consume soy products.