When the same group carried out a further small study, involving 65 people over the age of 60 years with Alzheimer’s, they did not find that soy isoflavines offered any cognitive benefits. One research group found that treatment with soy isoflavones was linked to better performance in nonverbal memory, verbal fluency and other functions. Population studies have indicated that, in regions where people consume more soy, there is a lower incidence of age-related mental disorders. One study in rats has suggested that any type of tofu that has been curdled with various coagulants may help prevent liver damage caused by free radicals. However, more studies are needed to establish exactly what happens and why. While symptoms may differ between women, hot flashes appear to be far less common in Asian countries, where people consume more soy.Ĭonflicting results have been produced, but there is evidence that consuming soy products that are rich in genistein may help reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes. Some research has suggested that consuming soy products may help relieve symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, because of the phytoestrogens they contain. They have also been reported to reduce some other symptoms of menopause. Soy isoflavones may help reduce bone loss and increase bone mineral density, especially after menopause. This may be due to its protein content, but also because of its impact on lipid levels in the blood. One meta analysis of nine trials showed a positive effect of soy on some biomarkers of those with chronic kidney disease. Protein, and particularly soy protein, may enhance renal function, and it could have benefits for people who are undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation. The researchers propose that this could benefit patients with type 2 diabetes. People with type 2 diabetes often experience kidney disease, causing the body to excrete an excessive amount of protein in the urine.Įvidence from one study has indicated that those who consumed only soy protein in their diet excreted less protein than those who only consumed animal protein. Researchers call for more studies to confirm how genistein works, how it could be used therapeutically, and its bioavailability, or how well the body can absorb it. However, the evidence is not yet strong enough to recommend soy to all breast cancer survivors. Instead, there is growing evidence that regular soy intake may decrease breast cancer recurrence. However, consuming moderate amounts, or less than two servings a day, of whole soy foods, does not appear to affect tumor growth or the risk of developing breast cancer. This is because isoflavones have a chemical structure similar to that of estrogen, and high levels of estrogen can increase the risk of breast cancer. In the past, confusion has arisen about the safety of consuming soy after a breast cancer diagnosis. Several clinical and experimental investigations have suggested that genistein, the predominant isoflavone in soy, has antioxidant properties that may inhibit the growth of cancer cells. This, in turn, decreases the risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure. The FDA has set 25 g a day of soy protein as the minimum intake needed to impact cholesterol levels.Ĭonsuming tofu as an alternative to animal protein can help lower levels of LDL cholesterol. Studies have indicated that daily consumption of soy may decrease markers for cardiovascular disease risk, including weight, body mass index ( BMI), and total cholesterol. Soy isoflavines have been found to help reduce levels of LDL “bad” cholesterol, although it does not seem to increase HDL or “good” cholesterol levels. Research has linked tofu, with its high levels of isoflavones, to a lower risk of several age- and lifestyle-related diseases. It can enhance the skin and hair, boost energy, and help maintain a healthy weight. Share on Pinterest Tofu can be served instead of meat or incorporated into a variety of dishes.Ī diet that contains a variety of plant-based foods appears to contribute to overall health and wellbeing, and a lower risk of conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
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