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Vol. IV No. 31   ·   20 April 2001 

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Soybeans: a healthy woman's best friend

I've always eaten a lot of tofu and other soy-based products. Now I'm hearing that it might be good for my health. What are the benefits of soy for women?

Consumers often overlook the soybean, but the vegetable packs a punch when it comes to health. Soybeans (and many soy products) contain compounds called isoflavones, which are similar in composition to the estrogen hormones produced naturally in humans.

According to Karen Freund, M.D., associate professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine and chief of the Women's Health Unit at Boston Medical Center, estrogen is important for a number of reasons. "Estrogens are hormones found in both men and women," says Freund. "They are essential for maintaining healthy heart, bone, and some brain tissues."

Freund notes that estrogen is extremely important for women because of the role it plays in the female reproductive system. "For women facing menopause, estrogen loss is a major issue, and there is growing evidence that soy can be an effective tool in treating some of the problems associated with this loss." Typically, women approaching menopause begin to lose estrogen, and as a result, also see a corresponding loss in bone density.

Soy isoflavones are becoming a focal point of study among researchers for their effect on cancer, heart disease, and women's health. When women have problems maintaining estrogen levels, the isoflavones are perceived by the body as an acceptable substitute. "There have been several studies that show they have a significant impact on relieving some of the symptoms of menopause," says Freund, "particularly hot flashes."

There is significant evidence that soy, when part of a lifelong diet, can help alleviate many of the negative consequences associated with menopause. According to Freund, many Asian societies do not have words to describe the hot flashes associated with menopause simply because women do not experience them. "When studies examine these cultures, they show one very unique difference -- including soy and soy foods in their diet," she says.

In addition to the studies examining menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, there is growing evidence that soy isoflavones also prevent the loss of bone density known as osteoporosis. (Estrogen is important to bone health.) Too, Freund notes that studies done in Asian cultures show soy can also help prevent heart disease -- a major problem for women -- something that the Western world now recognizes thanks to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's recent determination that soy protein does indeed have cholesterol-reducing powers and can be designated as "heart healthy." In fact, soy food manufacturers can now label qualified products with the claim, "Consumption of 25 grams of soy protein daily, in conjunction with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, can reduce risk for coronary heart disease."

Soy and soy foods can be easily incorporated into your diet. Mixing just two tablespoons of soy powder into a glass of milk will boost your total soy intake. One ounce of roasted soybean nuts contains between 30 and 50 milligrams of isoflavones. In addition, there are products made with soy that can be used as substitutes for ground beef or ground turkey. Freund cautions, however, that consumers who want to get more soy into their diet should read package labels carefully. "Some soy products are very high in sodium, and some are high in fat, so read carefully before you buy," she says.

"Health Matters" is written in cooperation with staff members of Boston Medical Center. For more information on soybeans or other health matters, call 617-638-6767.

       

23 April 2001
Boston University
Office of University Relations