There has been a great deal of discussion lately about the benefits of adding Soy products to our
diet. The general impression is that these foods are beneficial to women. While this statement is
true, it’s only the “tip of the iceberg.”
The specific ingredients in Soy that have generated interest and research are the phytochemicals
(plant chemicals) called “isoflavones” and, specifically, genistein, daidzein and glycetin.
There are a few key plant sources of isoflavones: Soy, plant lignans (plant fiber such as Flax
meal) and Red Clover.
Isoflavones are incredibly gentle and very intelligent. How can a plant substance be “intelligent?”
Isoflavones are “adaptogens” which means that they adapt to each individual’s physical needs and
restore balance. This is a very important quality to have when it comes to certain health challenges.
HORMONAL BALANCE
In addition to natural hormonal changes throughout our lives, both men and women are affected by
external environmental hormones. Pesticides and herbicides can trigger higher estrogen levels.
Commercial animal feeds promote accelerated growth with estrogen-mimicking hormones. Plastic food
packaging and plastic cooking films also release pseudo-estrogens into our foods.
How is a body to cope? Eating non-genetically modified (non-GMO) Soy and Flax products provide the
body with isoflavones which send chemical messages for cells to behave in specific ways. If the
body’s estrogen levels are too high or too low, the message is to bring the levels into balance.
In women, this may reduce pre-menstural or menopausal symptoms. In men, it may reduce benign prostate
enlargment or block environmental estrogens from reducing androgen and testosterone levels.
CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH
Recent studies have shown that isoflavones reduce cholesterol (LDL) and inhibit the hardening of the
arteries (atherosclerosis). Consumption of soy products specifically reduced serum levels of
triglycerides and LDL cholesterol in studies. One of the isoflavones, genistein, has been shown to
reduce the damage to cells that line our blood vessels.
REDUCE ESTROGEN RELATED CANCERS
Keeping the body’s estrogen levels in check reduces the risk of estrogen-related cancers such as
breast cancer. It has also been linked to reducing prostate, colon and skin cancers. One of the
isoflavone mechanisms studied is the ability to reduce new blood vessel growth, which is a powerful
deterrent to cancers that need excessive blood flow to support growth.
OSTEOPOROSIS
The blueprint for this condition is often created early in life. A diet deficient in Calcium, together
with excessive amounts of caffeine, salt and carbonated beverages, can seriously undermine bone
structure. The addition of Soy and Flax products into the diet helps suppress “osteoclast” cells which
rob Calcium from the bone.
FREE RADICAL DAMAGE
Isoflavones are powerful antioxidants. Like the flavonoids in many colourful fruits and vegetables, these
plant chemicals are extremely effective in neutralizing free radicals in the body.
ADDING ISOFLAVONES TO YOUR DIET
It is becoming easier to integrate isoflavone-rich foods into our Western diet, even if you don’t like the
taste of tofu. One of the most available sources are Soy products. In addition to tofu, there are a variety
of delicious Soy milk products, including ice cream, yogurts and Soy protein. Soy protein isolates are
also easy to integrate into familiar foods. It is important to choose a water-processed Soy protein
isolate which retains the isoflavone content.
Sangster’s Ultimate Women’s Formula contains the benefits of Soy isoflavones and Red Clover isoflavones,
both excellent sources of phytoestrogen isoflavones. The formula also contains the healing benefits of
herbs used for centuries to treat women such as Black Cohosh, Horse Chestnut, Dong Quai, and Wild Yam.
By Elaine Munro
Stay Healthy With Isoflavones
