Phytoestrogens
Alternate Names : Soy, Soyfoods, Phytochemicals, Isoflavones, Plant Estrogens
What food source is the nutrient found in?
Soy is found in numerous foods. Soyfoods include:
tofu
soy milk
soy flour
soy cheese
soynut butter
soy yogurt
tempeh
textured soy protein or TSP
soybeans
veggie burgers
How does the nutrient affect the body?
Research is uncovering more and more about the health benefits of eating
soyfoods. Soy isoflavones may decrease the risk for heart disease. They may reduce the risk of breast cancer,
cancer of the uterus, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. They seem to
help
prevent osteoporosis, or bone
thinning. They also help control diabetes, and ease the symptoms of menopause.
During menopause, women have
fluctuations in estrogen levels. These hormonal changes may increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. These changes also cause hot flashes, night sweats,
insomnia,
and headaches. The ability of plant
estrogens to reduce these symptoms is now being studied.
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