Soy Isoflavones

Soy isoflavones are compounds that one can derived from soybean products.  Soy isoflavones are potent plant substances that have similar chemical structure tot hat of the female hormone estrogen. Countries where soy is a basic part of their regular diets revealed that the women have fewer sufferers of menopausal syndrome which include hot flashes. 

Soy isoflavones are now available in supplement form.  But the effects of soy isoflavones still need to be verified in laboratory studies.  Since most people who have undergone scrutiny were those that ate soy products instead of take soy supplements.  Soy isoflavones may just be one of the many compounds that make up soybean products.  There are two important soy isoflavones components, these are: genistein and daidzein.  These two particularly protect from breast cancer and endometriosis.  They accomplish this by competing for the same place on cells or receptor sites against the body’s estrogen.  Excess estrogen could result in breast and uterine cancer which the soy isoflavones can effectively be lessened. And if the natural levels of estrogen in the body drop, such as what happens during menopause, soy isoflavones can bind to some of the cell receptor sites that estrogen used to do. Menopausal symptoms improve in the process.  Soy isoflavones can also control cancer-causing enzymes, provide antioxidants and boosts the immune system.

Soy isoflavones have several specific positive health contributions which include:

o assists in controlling menopause and perimenopause.  It lowers the frequency of hot flashes and other bothersome menopausal symptoms.
o Guard against osteoporosis.  Soy isoflavones help women maintain bone density. 
o Counters the effects of endometriosis.  The phytoestrogens in soy extract can offset the body’s natural estrogen which is the cause for monthly pain, heavy bleeding and other symptoms of endometriosis.
o Protects against prostate problems.  The male prostate gland can be protected against possible enlargement by ingesting soy products. 
o Prevents various cancers.  Soy foods included in the regular diet can protect against hormone-related cancers of the breast, prostate and endometrium.  Women who consumed the most soy products can reduce their risk of endometrial cancer by 54%.  The reason behind this is that the soy isoflavone genistein may possibly block the protein tyrosine kinase which causes the growth of tumor cells.
o Reduces heart disease risks. Soy isoflavones promotes health of the heart.  FDA declared soy foods as products that lower risk of heart disease by lowering harmful cholesterol.

Soy isoflavones comes in several formulations such as: tablet, powder, liquid and capsule.  It is best to keep in mind the following in order to get the most value out of soy isoflavones:

* Soy isoflavones is best derived from soy products because they provide protein without the saturated fat found in other protein-rich sources such as red meat.
* The recommended daily allowance of soy isoflavones is still to be determined.  But among people where prevalence of breast cancer and invasive prostate cancer is low, the estimated daily intake of soy products is between 20 to 200 mg of soy isoflavones per day.
* If you want to use soy isoflavones supplements choose those products that supply a mixture of isoflavones which includes genistein and daidzen.
* High-quality soy based protein powders are available and easy to make. 
* For those who have health conditions, take 100 mg twice daily of soy isoflavone from supplements, foods or combination.

Take soy isofalvone pills with warm water before eating breakfast and dinner.  High-fiber diet may impede the absorption of soy isoflavones.  Increase your soy intake if your diet is high in fiber. There are no known drugs or nutrients interaction with soy isoflavone even if taken in high doses.  Always consult your doctor before taking the supplements.  Pregnant and lactating women are advised not to take the supplements because of its estrogenlike effects. And avoid soy products if you are allergic to such products.