Flaxseed May Help With Hot Flashes
New research from the U.S. suggests that flaxseed, a rich source of plant omega-3 and lignans, may reduce the frequency of hot flashes in women by almost 60 percent. The study, published in the summer of 2007, could offer an alternative for the reduction of menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes to more established dietary supplements like black cohosh or soy isoflavones. For details on this phase 2 pilot study go to the Journal of the Society for Integrative Oncology, Summer 2007, Volume 5. Read More.
Soy Protein Helps Prevent Osteoporosis
The results of a recent clinical trial showed that soy protein has a beneficial effect on bone metabolism in menopausal women. The study, which took place over a 12-week period, revealed that 35g of soy protein daily resulted in a reduction in bone loss which will help prevent osteoporosis. Additional research will help to confirm these findings. Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 83, No. 4, 754-759, April 2006. Click here for more information.
Soy Consumption May Reduce the Risk of Fractures among Postmenopausal Women
The health data of nearly 25,000 postmenopausal women was recently evaluated by Chinese scientists for the purpose of determining if there is an association between soy consumption and the risk of bone fracture. At the end of the examination researchers concluded that soy food consumption may reduce the risk of fracture in postmenopausal women, particularly among those in the early years following menopause. Additional research in this area is needed to help solidify these findings. Source: Archives of Internal Medicine, Volume 165, September 2005. Click here for more information.
Soy Consumption Associated With Lower Risk Of Coronary Heart Disease
In a recent scientific review at Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, researchers set out to determine if the intake of soy food has beneficial effects on cardiovascular disease risk factors. To complete their task, the scientists analyzed data from the Shanghai Women’s Study; a large study involving women ages 40-70. Based on their analysis of the three-year trial, researchers were able to conclude that there is direct evidence to support that soy food consumption may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease in women. Source: www.nutrition.org
A Diet Rich In Soy May Keep Postmenopausal Arteries Healthy
New research findings suggest that a diet rich in soy may help protect older women from artery disease. The study, conducted at the University Medical Center in Utrecht, the Netherlands, involved 400 postmenopausal women. The women were interviewed about diet and lifestyle, and had to undergo a stiffness test of the aorta, the heart's main artery. According to Dr. Yvonne T. van der Schouw, "The present study found that phytoestrogens may have a protective effect on the risk of arteriosclerosis and arterial degeneration through an effect on arterial walls, especially among older women". Phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds found in soy. Source: www.naturalproductsinsider.com
Menopausal Women Benefit From Soy
Two studies published in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology reveal that menopausal women who eat soy have a variety of positive side effects. First of all, women who include soy in their diet report a noticeable lessening of menopausal symptoms. Secondly, soy appears to have bone-strengthening effects. Women who ate the most dietary soy had thicker bones than women who consumed the least. The benefits of soy appear to be attributed to compounds called phytoestrogens or isoflavones. Source: Obstetrics and Gynecology 2001; 97: 103 and 109.
Soy, Whey Proteins May Lower Cancer Risk
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Consuming a diet rich in soy and whey protein may help women lower their risk of developing breast cancer, results of a study in rats suggest.