Soy Nutrition and Health Research

Soyfoods hold special appeal for postmenopausal women because they are uniquely rich sources of isoflavones.¹ Isoflavones are classified as phytoestrogens, although they differ from the hormone estrogen at the molecular and clinical levels.² Clinical work shows isoflavones alleviate hot flash frequency and severity significantly more than a placebo.³ Isoflavones also improve endothelial function, thereby helping reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.⁴ Intriguing evidence indicates that isoflavones can improve skin health as well, including reducing wrinkles.⁵ Although clinical studies evaluating the skeletal benefits have produced mixed results, at the very least, many soyfoods are good sources of calcium and vitamin D. Additionally, research shows that breast cancer survivors can safely consume soyfoods and their prognosis may actually be improved by doing so.⁶ Download Soy Connection’s Soy & Women’s Health brochure to learn more.