Phytoestrogens
Anti Breast Cancer
Soy Isoflavone
Soy isoflavones are a source of natural plant oestrogens called phytoestrogens and are used to ease menopausal symptoms and strengthen and form bone. Whole soybean-based foods, such as tofu and soy milk, generally have the highest protein and isoflavone content. The soy germ in whole soy beans is particularly high in isoflavones.
Soy isoflavones have a chemical structure very similar to oestrogen – a hormone produced by the ovaries to regulate the growth and function of female sex organs. Isoflavones could therefore decrease the health risks of excessive oestrogen in the body by competing for the same receptor cells. Soy isoflavones could compensate for the decrease in oestrogen levels during menopause, and ease associated symptoms such as hot flushes, breast pain and sweating.
The results of observational studies suggest that higher intakes of soy foods early in life may decrease the risk of breast cancer in adulthood. There is currently little clinical evidence that taking soy isoflavone supplements decreases the risk of incident and recurrent breast cance
