Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts |
Tempeh May Ease Symptoms of Menopause
Tempeh contains phytochemicals such as isoflavones and saponins. The fermentation leaves the soy isoflavones intact. In research on soy protein, there is some evidence that the isoflavones may be responsible for helping to ease menopause symptoms. Soy protein and isoflavones such as those found in tempeh may possibly reduce the risk of heart disease and sonic cancers. Tempeh also contains saponins, health-promoting components of vegetables and legumes with strong biological activity, including acting as natural antibiotics. |
Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith See book keywords and concepts |
Soy imparts excellent health benefits due to their isoflavones, which is why you should consider consuming non-GMO, cultured forms of soy (i.e., miso, tempeh, and natto) in moderation. isoflavones are weak phytoestrogens that have the ability to bind to estrogen receptors and reduce total cholesterol—lowing LDL and possibly increasing HDL (the good cholesterol that helps keep LDL in check). isoflavones may also help maintain bone mass, reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Drink Clean
Avoid or limit coffee and tea. |
Patrick Holford See book keywords and concepts |
Soy, isoflavones, and red clover
Four trials have now shown that isoflavones, which are especially abundant in soy and red clover, approximately halve the incidence and severity of hot flashes. Two placebo-controlled studies did not find this effect, at least at a level of statistical significance, but did find that the higher the excretion of isoflavones, the lower the incidence of hot flashes, suggesting that a high intake of isoflavones, from diet or supplements, is effective. Soy, tofu, and isoflavones have been shown to protect against cancer, unlike estrogen HRT. |
Gabriel Cousens See book keywords and concepts |
Soy contains built-in insecticides called isoflavones (genistein and daidzein). isoflavones are estrogen-like substances that have the same effect in the body as estrogen, and eating soy can make a person estrogenic, contributing to problems such as cancer, irritability and mood swings, fat gain from the waist down, fibrocystic breast disease, and uterine fibroids.24'25,26 isoflavones decrease thyroid hormone production. This can stunt children's growth. Hypothyroid is associated with raised serum cholesterol and tends to create fatigue and obesity. |
Patrick Holford See book keywords and concepts |
Soy, isoflavones, and red clover
Four trials have now shown that isoflavones, which are especially abundant in soy and red clover, approximately halve the incidence and severity of hot flashes. Two placebo-controlled studies did not find this effect, at least at a level of statistical significance, but did find that the higher the excretion of isoflavones, the lower the incidence of hot flashes, suggesting that a high intake of isoflavones, from diet or supplements, is effective. Soy, tofu, and isoflavones have been shown to protect against cancer, unlike estrogen HRT. |
Andreas Moritz See book keywords and concepts |
Red Clover is also one of the richest sources of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants). The isoflavones found in Red Clover have been studied for their effectiveness in treating some forms of cancer. It is thought that the isoflavones prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and that they may even destroy cancer cells.
Sheep Sorrel is a rich source of oxalic acid, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, beta carotene, and vitamin C. This native Ojibwa tea ingredient is a mild diuretic, mild antiseptic, and a mild laxative. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
A study of cancer patients found that levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an indicator of prostate cancer, leveled off in men who were given soy isoflavones for six months. isoflavones are believed to inhibit the enzymes that fuel the growth of tumors.
Most men will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives. This cancer grows slowly, so it may never cause related health problems—but prostate cancer still is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths among men (lung cancer is the first). I advise every man to eat soy.
•Menopausal discomfort. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts |
In research on soy protein, there is some evidence that the isoflavones may be responsible for helping to ease menopause symptoms. Soy protein and isoflavones such as those found in tempeh may possibly reduce the risk of heart disease and sonic cancers. Tempeh also contains saponins, health-promoting components of vegetables and legumes with strong biological activity, including acting as natural antibiotics. There is some suspicion that saponins may have cancer-protective or cancer-fighting activity. |
Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, ND, DACBN See book keywords and concepts |
This may be largely due to the fermentation process increasing the amount of available isoflavones in the soy. Fermentation makes use of live organisms. Unfermented soy products in America are not only deficient in isoflavones, but they are full of natural toxins that can block essential enzymes needed for protein digestion.
Dr. Joseph Mercola notes "Soybeans are high in phytic acid, present in the bran or hulls of all seeds. It's a substance that can block the uptake of essential minerals - calcium, magnesium, copper, iron and especially zinc - in the intestinal tract. |
Bill Sardi See book keywords and concepts |
The active estrogen-like molecules in these plants are lignans (flax, rye), quercetin (onions), resveratrol (grapes, wine), formononetin (clover), glabridin (licorice), and isoflavones (soy), to name a few. Which of these plant hormone-like molecules are best for humans?
The three major classes of phytoestrogens are isoflavones, which are concentrated in soybeans and soy products but are also found in other legumes; lignans, which are distributed in seeds, whole grains, berries, fruit, vegetables, and nuts; and coumestans, which are found in broccoli and sprouts. |
Brenda Davis and Tom Barnard See book keywords and concepts |
These beans provide a rich plant source of protein and plant sterols, as well as phytoestrogens such as lignans and isoflavones. The principle isoflavones in soy are genestein and daidzein. These isoflavones are powerful antioxidants and very effective inhibitors of the tyrosine kinase enzyme—a potent tumor promoter. Research suggests that isoflavones may provide protection against heart disease, certain forms of cancer, and osteoporosis. Some evidence also indicates that they may preserve cognitive function. |
Marshall Editions See book keywords and concepts |
Its benefits are probably due to compounds called \ I I I isoflavones (sometimes referred to as phytoestrogens) that have hormonal ^ Y activity. Red clover can be ingested as a tea (made from 1-2 g and taken once to three times daily) or Vi dropper full of an alcohol or glycerin tincture can be taken three times a day. However, the most effective preparation of red clover appears to be capsules of a semi-purified leaf extract where the standardization to the percentage of isoflavones is listed specifically on the bottle. |
Brenda Watson and Leonard Smith See book keywords and concepts |
Isoflavones are weak phytoestrogens that have the ability to bind to estrogen receptors and reduce total cholesterol—lowing LDL and possibly increasing HDL (the good cholesterol that helps keep LDL in check). isoflavones may also help maintain bone mass, reduce hot flashes in postmenopausal women, and lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Drink Clean
Avoid or limit coffee and tea. Choose organic, decaffeinated coffee and/or herbal teas instead. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
Soy is rich in isoflavones, a class of chemical compounds that act like weaker versions of the hormone estrogen. isoflavones, known as phytoestrogens, enhance the ability of arteries to relax and/or dilate, improving blood flow. This is true for men and women.
•Soy lowers blood pressure by as much as 15 points, according to some studies. Other studies, however, have shown more modest or no effects.
•Soy has linolenic acid, which may reduce heart disease mortality by 20%.
•Prostate cancer. |
Gary Null and Amy McDonald See book keywords and concepts |
Because these isoflavones are weaker, they can normalize estrogen activity."
Women who are not producing enough estrogen can increase their estrogen activity without taking hormones, which carry risk. "If they are vegetarian, they can consider adding some animal products to their diet," Dr. Debe says. "If that goes against their beliefs, there are other options. Licorice contains compounds that allow the body to retain more estrogen in circulation longer. So do soy isoflavones—the soy substitutes for the woman's inadequate estrogen. |
Gabriel Cousens See book keywords and concepts |
A study reported in The Lancet41 found that the "daily exposure of infants to isoflavones in soy infant-formulas is 6?1-fold higher on a bodyweight basis than the dose that has hormonal effects in adults consuming soy foods." This dose, equivalent to two glasses of soy milk per day, was enough to change menstrual patterns in women.42 In the blood of infants tested, concentrations of isoflavones were 13,000 to 22,000 times higher than natural estrogen concentrations in early life. |
Isoflavones decrease thyroid hormone production. This can stunt children's growth. Hypothyroid is associated with raised serum cholesterol and tends to create fatigue and obesity.x27>28,29 This further encourages and enhances a diabetogenic reality. isoflavones decrease the good cholesterol (HDL), thus contributing to heart disease, the number one killer of diabetics.30,31
Soy may also be connected with Alzheimer's disease, now thought to be a complication of hyperglycemia and diabetes. |
Gary Null and Amy McDonald See book keywords and concepts |
If we have a lot of these isoflavones, as they are called, in circulation, they compete with the body's estrogen and reduce the estrogen stimulation of the brain. Because these isoflavones are weaker, they can normalize estrogen activity."
Women who are not producing enough estrogen can increase their estrogen activity without taking hormones, which carry risk. "If they are vegetarian, they can consider adding some animal products to their diet," Dr. Debe says. "If that goes against their beliefs, there are other options. |
James F. Balch, M.D. and Mark Stengler, N.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Soy Isoflavones
Description: Phytoestrogen compounds that are extracted from soy, such as daidzein, genistein, and glycitein, are known as soy isoflavones. They are commonly used to reduce menopausal, PMS, and other female hormone-related conditions. They have been shown to help improve bone density, protect against bone loss, and reduce cholesterol levels. Interestingly, men with prostate problems are also helped. |
Jonny Bowden, Ph.D., C.N.S. See book keywords and concepts |
Soy protein and isoflavones such as those found in tempeh may possibly reduce the risk of heart disease and sonic cancers. Tempeh also contains saponins, health-promoting components of vegetables and legumes with strong biological activity, including acting as natural antibiotics. There is some suspicion that saponins may have cancer-protective or cancer-fighting activity. Saponins protect soybeans from predators and insects, but according to research from Keith Singletary, Ph.D., at the University of Illinois, they may also help protect people from colon cancer. |
The Editors of FC&A See book keywords and concepts |
Add to the controversy the impact a natural plant chemical in soy has on your bone health. isoflavones seem to have a positive, negative, and even indifferent effect on bone mineral density, depending on which scientific study you choose to believe.
Research out of University of North Carolina's School of Public Health and Medicine shows that young women who took an isoflavone-loaded soy supplement did not change bone strength.
Perhaps, say the experts, these young women have too much estrogen to benefit from soy's isoflavones. |
Bill Sardi See book keywords and concepts |
Soy isoflavones (genistein, daidzen, equol); provides phytoestrogens with small amounts of iron-binding phytic acid and omega-3 oil.
Glycine max; many trade names - Soylife
Soy phytoestrogens alone, under certain circumstances, may promote growth of tumors. was determined that lignans are mild inhibitors of estrogen production by virtue of their ability to inhibit aromatase, the enzyme responsible for estrogen production. |
The Editors of FC&A See book keywords and concepts |
Perhaps, say the experts, these young women have too much estrogen to benefit from soy's isoflavones. After all, bone loss in older women may be linked to plummeting estrogen levels that accompany menopause.
Yet there are studies of older women which show soy isoflavones lowering bone loss and increasing bone strength.
The International Food Information Council Foundation, an independent food safety, nutrition, and health organization says it's not possible at this time to draw a clear conclusion regarding the effects and safety of soy on long-term bone health. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts |
Too many GMO soybeans, bad environmental impact and some possible undesirable estrogen effects. The isoflavones are good for preventing cancer, however.
Processed cow's milk: It's just gross. Homogenized, pasteurized, milked from unhealthy cows and containing alarmingly high levels of pus, this liquid is nothing less than frightening. Flee it.
Raw cow's milk (organic): This is an acceptable dairy beverage. If it's from healthy cows treated with kindness and good nutrition, this raw beverage is far better than processed cow's milk. |
Mike Adams, the Health Ranger See article keywords and concepts |
Some of the common classes of phytonutrients include:
Carotenoids
Flavonoids (Polyphenols) including isoflavones (Phytoestrogens)
Inositol Phosphates (Phytates)
Lignans (Phytoestrogens)
Isothiocyanates and Indoles
Phenols and Cyclic Compounds
Saponins
Sulfides and Thiols
Terpenes
About Carotenoids
Of all the phytonutrients, we probably know the most about carotenoids, the red, orange and yellow pigments in fruits and vegetables. The carotenoids most commonly found in vegetables (and in plasma) are listed below along with common sources of these compounds. |
David W. Grotto, RD, LDN See book keywords and concepts |
Soybeans are rich in phytochemicals known as isoflavones which may help prevent certain types of cancer, fight heart disease, and improve bone density.
Home Remedies
The Chinese have used fermented soybean curds to treat skin infections for over 3,000 years. Soy has also been used to alleviate hot flashes.
Throw Me a Lifesaver!
BONE HEALTH: A Chinese three-year study of approximately 24,403 women showed a reduced risk of fracture for those women who consumed soy, especially for those women in the early part of menopause. |
Jeffrey M. Smith See book keywords and concepts |
For example, the isoflavones in soy products may reduce the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and several types of cancer."99 Antioxidants found in grape skins may also fight cancer and reduce heart disease and the pigment in blueberries may revive the brain's neural communication system. "Plants make a very large variety of nutrients and antioxidants whose loss or reduction could have serious adverse consequences for human health."100 But unpredicted changes due to genetic modification might eliminate important ones before they are identified. |