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Soya
ISOFLAVONES
For main centuries the main food source in the Orient
has been soya beans, which were introduced to the Japanese by the
Chinese as long ago as the 7th century. Unfortunately the beans did
not reach Europe for another millenium and consequently did not
establish themselves as a daily source of nutrition in the same way.
It has recently come to light that many oriental women do not suffer
from menopausal symptoms (the Japanese do not even have a word for
hot flush) and this has been directly linked to their high intake of
soya. This Isoflavone concentrate is 60 times stronger than soya
flour.
The Benefits of Isoflavones
Menopause
-research carried out on isoflavones as a natural alternative to
hormone
replacement therapy (HRT) has shown them to be
effective in reducing hot flushes,
headaches, irritability and vaginal dryness.
Osteoporosis -
Japanese women who eat a lot of soya are known to have a reduced
incidence of osteoporosis. Isoflavones help achieve a
balanced oestrogen level which can help maintain bone strength and
may prevent osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular Disease -
Isoflavones possess antioxidant action and not only help to decrease
the bad LDL cholesterol but also increase the beneficial HDL
cholesterol.
Anti-cancer -
the phytoestrogens found in soya have been linked to a lower
frequency of cancers in the group of people who have a high
proportion of soya in their diets. This
beneficial effect can be found in men as well as in
women,
Properties
Genistein, Daidzein and Glycitein -
these soya oestrogens as a group are known as
isoflavones and exhibit phytoestrogenic activity. They have also
been noted for their antioxidant properties. It is the presence of
these phytoestrogens and the fact that they exhibit antioxidant
activity which is responsible for the beneficial effects described
above.
Contra-indications / Precautions
None known
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