Soybean

What is it

Soy (Glycine max) is a legume native to the Far East now cultivated in many other countries. The part used are seeds, whose flour is rich in phytoestrogens.

Activity

The active ingredients of soy are flavonoids, especially isoflavones such as daidzein and genistein. These are molecules that have a function similar to that of the female hormones, estrogen, produced by the ovaries.

Acting as weak estrogens, these active ingredients increase the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle, immediately preceding ovulation, and decrease progesterone levels during the luteal phase that follows.

They also inhibit the synthesis of LH and FSH, the hormones produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate the synthesis of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries.

Soy extract also inhibits the activity of osteoclasts, the cells that destroy bone, favoring, instead, the action of osteoblasts, which rebuild it.

In addition, it increases the intestinal absorption of calcium, promotes its fixation in the bone and reduces its elimination through the urine.

Finally, isoflavones counteract the oxidation of bad cholesterol (LDL), slowing down its deposition on the artery wall, thus reducing the risk of atherosclerotic plaque formation.

Compared to synthetic estrogens, soy phytoestrogens decrease cholesterol levels without increasing triglycerides or modifying the vaginal and breast epithelium.

The antioxidant action also hinders the aggregation of platelets and is added to the reduction of the accumulation of serotonin in the platelets themselves, reducing the vasoconstriction of the coronary arteries.

Find out how and why this plant is useful in menopause.

Why is it used

Soy is useful for reducing the symptoms of menopause (especially hot flashes) and premenstrual syndrome.

Do you want to learn more about hot flashes in menopause? Click here.

It also counteracts osteoporosis and the formation of atherosclerotic plaques.

How to use it

The daily dose of nebulized dry extract titrated in isoflavones at least 40% varies from 150 to 200 mg, to be divided into two administrations, one in the morning and one in the evening, between meals.

Effects

No one important.

Precautions

According to the indications of the Ministry of Health the maximum daily dose of isoflavones is 80 mg.

In any case, soy extract is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation.

It also cannot be used in case of breast or female genital cancers and in those taking tamoxifen.

The absorption of isoflavones in the intestine is facilitated by the simultaneous administration of inulin or fructooligosaccharides, vegetable fibers that stimulate the growth of intestinal bacteria that make isoflavones more

Interactions

Isoflavones reduce the effect of an anticancer drug, tamoxifen, and increase blood levels of theophylline, a bronchus and vasodilator molecule.

Nutritional values

100 grams of soy contain: