While soy has often been promoted for these anti-cancer qualities, it is also believed to be effective in slowing the rate of bone loss and osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. These are the conclusions of this new study presented to the Society for Endocrinology Annual Conference in Edinburgh in Scotland (Great Britain) and carried out by researchers at the University of Hull in Great Britain.
After menopause, the body produces less estrogen. However, these act on the formation of “new” bone. Thus, estrogen hormone deficiency is a risk factor for women inosteoporosis most importantly, a disease responsible for 9 million fractures worldwide.
Scientists conducted a study with 200 women at the start of their menopause. During the 6 months of the study, volunteers received either a daily soy protein supplement containing 66mg of isoflavones or a soy protein supplement alone.
The findings of this experiment showed that women who ingested soybeans with isoflavones had a slower rate of bone loss and osteoporosis. Scientists also found that these participants had a lower risk of developing heart diseasecompared to women who only consumed soybeans alone.
“We have found that soy protein and isoflavones are a safe and effective option for improving bone health in women during the early stages of menopause. Soy’s action appears to mimic that of traditional osteoporosis medications.” , explains the lead author of this study, Thozhukat Sathyapalan, researcher in the department of endocrinology at the University of Hull.
Fill up on soy
To fill up on soy protein, and consume 66 mg of isoflavone (a dose equivalent to that of eating habits in Asia), European women should complement their meals with tofu, flour and soy or miso beans.
Read also
Do you know the different forms of soybeans?
Menopause: soy effective for heart health
Nutrition: should you be wary of soy?
