Mark Hyman, M.D.
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 Compounds in soy and red clover known as isoflavones (such as genistein and daidzein) lower cholesterol and activate anticancer enzymes.
More of these healthy phytonutrients are being discovered every day, and substantial ongoing research has been identifying and purifying many of these compounds for potential use as medications to treat various conditions.
Another fact shattering the myth that all foods are broken down similarly: The way carbohydrates, fats, and protein are packaged for consumption is of vital importance. |
Earl Mindell and Hester Mundis
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 Soy: High in fiber and rich in isoflavones. In the body isoflavones are converted into phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) that may help block the growth of hormone-dependent and other and protect the cardiovascular system. (See section 95.) cancers, and also may lower LDL cholesterol and protect against heart disease. Spinach: Rich in folic acid (which helps prevent birth defects), beta-carotene, and iron. Yogurt. Added lactobacillus culture may improve digestion.
43. |
Mark Hyman, M.D.
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| These substances include isoflavones; genistein and daidzein, found in foods such as soy, whole grains, or beans; carotenoids, including beta-carotenes; and lutein and lycopene, found in tomatoes, yellow and orange fruits, and vegetables, and which have powerful anticancer properties.
Then these items are broken down into their component parts through a series of digestive steps that begin with chewing, followed by the enzymatic action of saliva, and then the mechanical churning in the stomach. |
Andrew Chevallier
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 Protective mucus Licorice as a whole reduces stomach secretions but produces a thick protective mucus for the lining of the stomach, making it a useful remedy in inflammatory stomach conditions.
¦ isoflavones The isoflavones are known to be estrogenic.
Traditional & Current Uses
¦ Traditional uses Licorice has long been valued for its medicinal uses. It was taken in ancient Greece for asthma, chest problems, and canker sores. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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 Type: Daidzein
Daidzein is an estrogenlike compound that is formed from isoflavones. It helps to compensate for estrogen discharged from the body by the liver and the colon, lessening the effect of a decline in estrogen. It may help with bone formation and prevent and even reverse osteoporosis (bone thinning). Food sources include soy foods as well as alfalfa, beans, lentils, peanuts, peas, and sprouts.
Ipriflavones are synthesized from daidzein. They help to protect against osteoporosis by preventing bone reabsorp-tion and by stimulating bone collagen synthesis. They are found in soybeans. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 OH
\^OH
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OH O
AtAA
J rXJ
HO^
OCX
HO
~^ 0 ^o
Genistein
Coumestrol
Constituents
The major actives arc phytoestrogens of two types: the isoflavones genistein (Fig. 18.1), afrormosin, biochanin A, daidzein, formononetin, pratensein, calyconin, pseudobaptigenin, orobol, irilone and trifoside and their glycoside conjugates; and the coumestans coumestrol (Fig. 18.1) and medicagol.
Pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy
Red clover was traditionally used for skin complaints such as psoriasis and eczema, and as an expectorant in coughs and bronchial conditions. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| Some of the groups of phytochemicals that have been the subject of greatest interest are carotenoids, flavonoids, isoflavones, and procyanidolic oligomers, or PCOs (also known as oligomeric proanthocyanidins, or OPCs), which are believed to be fifty times stronger than vitamins C and E. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has reported that the carotenoids lycopene (found primarily in tomatoes), zeaxanthin, and lutein are the true superheroes when it comes to controlling the activity of oxygen free radicals. |
| Estro-Logic, a natural estrogen-balancing formula produced by Wakunaga of America Company, is an herbal product containing extracts of astragalus, black cohosh, chaste tree berry, motherwort, sage, and wild yam, and it also includes isoflavones. It has been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms.
THE POSTMENOPAUSAL YEARS (SIXTY AND BEYOND)
By the year 2020, women will account for 85 percent of persons aged sixty-five and older who live alone. The number of women aged 100 years or older will double in the next ten years. |
Prevention Magazine
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 For example, a class of phytonutrients called isoflavones are extremely similar to natural estrogen. When we eat foods containing isoflavones, these faux hormones bind to the body's estrogen receptors, leaving the real hormone with nowhere to go but out.
Although estrogen is often referred to as if it were one hormone, in fact there are different forms. One kind of estrogen, called 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone, has been linked to breast cancer. Another form, 2-hydroxyestrone, appears to be harmless. |
| Research has shown that tofu, tempeh, and other soy foods contain compounds called isoflavones, which are very similar to (although weaker than) the estrogen women produce naturally, says Jeri W. Nieves, Ph.D., nutritional epidemiologist at Columbia University in New York City and director of the bone mineral measurement laboratory at Helen Hayes Hospital in West Haverstraw, New York. There's some evidence that getting enough isoflavones in the diet may play a powerful role in keeping bones strong. |
| In a study at the University of Illinois, women were given either 55 milligrams or 90 milligrams of isoflavones a day. (A half-cup of tofu contains 35 milligrams.) After six months, women getting the larger amount had an increase in bone density of 2 percent.
The research is preliminary, Dr. Nieves adds, and researchers aren't sure what quantity of isoflavones you'd need to keep your bones strong. However, 90 milligrams, the amount used in the study, is a good starting point. It's easy to get this much in your diet. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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 Trypsin inhibitors, which cannot be refined out of the soy (trypsin is an important enzyme in digestion).
3. isoflavones, genistein, and deidzein, three phytochemicals that have been shown to have antithyroid activity.32 The soy isoflavones and other chemicals inhibit thyroid peroxidase, a key thyroid enzyme.
If you are thinking that this might be a good treatment for feline hyperthyroidism, it is unlikely that cats will ingest enough soy protein to be of benefit; however, research in this area might prove interesting. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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| Constituents
Triterpenoid saponins, the astragalosides I-VIII, and their acetyl derivatives, agroastragalosides I-IV, astramembranins I and II and others; isoflavones including formononetin and kumatakenin, and polysaccharides known as astrogaloglucans.
Pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy
A number of clinical studies, supported by data from over 1000 patients in China, confirm the use of astragalus as an immunostimulant for use in colds and upper respiratory infections. It is also used prophylactically. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| Genistein is found, like other isoflavones, in soy foods and in alfalfa, beans, lentils, peanuts, peas, and sprouts.
Type: Lignan
Lignan acts as an antioxidant, blocks body chemicals known as prostaglandins, and inhibits the production of estrogen by fatty tissues. Lignan helps lower cholesterol levels, protects against colon cancer, and helps to prevent the formation of gallstones. Food sources include barley, fatty fish, flaxseeds, legumes, millet, oats, plums, rice, soybeans, spelt, walnuts, and wheat.
Class: Thiols
Thiols are sulfur-containing phytochemicals. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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| The main chemical types of phytoestrogen are the isoflavones, coumestans and lignans, and some species of palm even contain similar hormones (e.g. estriol) to those found in the human body. The common occurrence of these substances has implications for men as well as for women, in that the incidence of benign prostatic hyperplasia is lower in men, and menopausal symptoms in women, in societies consuming significant amounts of foods containing these substances in their normal diet. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC
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| The flavonoids include substances known as catechins, flavanones, and isoflavones, among others. They can be found in apples, lemons, green tea, and red wine or red grapes. Nonflavonoids, such as coumarins, can be found in strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or soybeans.
Some of the best phytonutrient-rich foods are:
• Blueberries (All berries are good, but blueberries are the highest source.)
• Broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables
• Chili peppers
• Citrus fruits
• Other mixed colors, including white and purple. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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| There is still much work to be done on the clinical effects of the isoflavones in soya, but at present it appears that they are beneficial with few adverse effects (see Mason 2001). The fixed oil contains sterols, which can be used as the starting materials for the production of hormones for use in the contraceptive pill and hormone replacement therapy.
Toxicity
Soya is considered to be non-toxic. |
the Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing
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 She has found that consuming 40 milligrams (mg) of isoflavones a day can slow down thyroid function, resulting in hypothyroidism. Most isoflavone supplements come in a 40-mg dose, and just 6 ounces of tofu or 2 cups of soy milk would supply the same amount.
Also, because isoflavones act like estrogen, some studies suggest that postmenopausal women who eat a lot of soy may increase their risk of breast cancer. And scientists have questioned the potential effects of soy on infants as well. |
| Researchers credit estrogen-like molecules called isoflavones for soy's apparent disease-fighting properties. But those same substances could have negative effects on the body as well, White notes. He says people need to understand that isoflavones are complex chemicals that act like drugs and change the body's chemistry.
"The great things they [consumers] have been hearing about soy foods in recent years have little to do with nutrients — carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins," he says. |
| One of soy's main isoflavones, genistein, limits the enzyme tyrosine kinase in the hippocampus — the brain's memory center. By interfering with the activity of this enzyme, genistein blocks a process called "long-term potentiation" that is central to learning and memory.
Dr. Larrian Gillespie, author of The Menopause Diet, says eating too much soy could result in other problems as well. She has found that consuming 40 milligrams (mg) of isoflavones a day can slow down thyroid function, resulting in hypothyroidism. |
Andrew Pengelly
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 Isoflavones are also found in liquorice (Glycyrrbiza glabra), alfalfa {Medicago sativa), black cohosh {Cimicifuga racemosa) and red clover {Trifolium pratense).
Anthocyanins
Anthocyanin pigments are found in flowers and red, blue and black fruits. They are present in the plant as glycosides of hydroxylated 2-phenylbenzopyrylium or flavylium salts. The aglycones (non-sugar portion) are known as anthocyanidins—only six are of widespread occurrence.
Chemical structure has a significant influence on anthocyanin colours. |
Bill Gottlieb
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 SOY: Any Form Will Do
Tofu, tempeh, and other soy foods contain compounds called isoflavones, which can help lower cholesterol, says Dr. Stengler. An easy way to incorporate isoflavones into your diet is to add soy protein powder to a shake. Or eat more tofu and miso, two popular soy foods that are versatile and easy to cook with.
Boost Your Defenses against
HIV and AIDS
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, a disease that destroys the immune system and ravages the body. There is no cure for AIDS, no way to eradicate HIV (the human immunodeficiency virus) from the body. |
Grace Ross Lewis
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 Soy isoflavones are a group of phytochemicals only found in soybeans. The isoflavones genistein and daidzein have strong antioxidant benefits that reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer, as well as other diseases.
121. Do soybeans contain other beneficial chemicals?
Soybeans contain saponins that are a group of phytonutrients with immunity and disease-fighting potential. They also act to increase immunity, prevent cancer, and fight infections. Soy is also high in protein, vitamin E, lecithin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
122. What is the newly identified nutraceutical in cereals? |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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| Pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy
The isoflavones and coumestans are oestrogenic, and are now being used as a natural form of hormone replacement therapy, although the evidence for this is not conclusive. Dietary inclusion of whole soya foods produced a reduction in some clinical risk factors for osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease in menopausal women (Scheiber et al 2001), and lipid profiles were improved. However, another study noted little effect on either lipid profiles or coagulation factors, and there have been conflicting results regarding the effect on hot flushes. |
Dianne Onstad
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 These isoflavones actually bind to estrogen receptors and thus prevent the binding of the body's own estrogen to the receptor. Phytoestrogens are currently under study, and there is controversy over whether they are beneficial or not.
Health Precautions
Soybeans, if consumed in high quantities, can block protein absorption. Soy foods that are not fermented, such as soy milk and protein powders, also contain substances that can block thyroid function, mineral absorption, and glucose uptake in the brain. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG
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 Widely occurring isoflavones include daidzein, genistein, formono-netin, and biochanin A, which are noted for their estrogenic properties.
Y if °H
OH 0
Fig. 7.53. Daidzein
Fig. 7.54. Genistein
Daidzein
Daidzein is a widely distributed isoflavone that is especially abundant in the Lamiaceae. As discussed in chapter 9, it is an effective phytoestrogen.
Table 7.9. Plants Containing Daidzein
PLANT
PLANT PART
Genista tinctoria (dyer's broom)
Shoot
Glycine max (soy)
Seed
Phaseolus coccineus (scarlet runner bean)
Whole plant
Psoralea corylifolia (babchi)
Root
Pueraria lobata, P. |
| The most important of these appear to be isoflavones, coumestans, lignans, and phytosterols. In the diet, the precursors of the biologically active compounds
A Closer Look at "Estrogens"
Estrogen
There is no chemical called "estrogen." Estrogen is a term that describes an effect, not a particular chemical. We really should talk about estrogens, the spectrum of molecular structures that share this effect. These are various natural or synthetic substances that possess the biological activity of estrus-producing hormones. |
| Lignans and isoflavones may affect the uptake and metabolism of sex hormones by helping to regulate SHBG levels, although phytoestrogens bind only weakly to SHBG.30 They also compete with estradiol for binding to unfilled cytoplasmic estrogen receptors or unfilled nuclear Type II estrogen receptor sites, which may be the mechanism by which they inhibit cancer cell growth.31 Bound nuclear receptors are then processed in a manner that rapidly decreases the total number of cellular estrogen receptors. |
| Lignans and isoflavones have been shown to influence not only sex hormone metabolism and biological activity, but also intracellular enzymes, protein synthesis, growth factor action, and malignant cell proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis, making them strong candidates as natural cancer-protective compounds.39
• In two thirds of reviewed studies on the effect of phy-toestrogen-rich soy materials in animal models of cancer, the risk of cancer (incidence, latency, or number of tumors) was significantly reduced. |
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