Isoflavones are nutritional supplements that are known for having health benefits. Soybeans contain the most isoflavones and it is also found in herbs like red clover and alfalfa. But on the other hand, it may be the most controversial natural supplement. So when it comes to comparing the benefits and risks of isoflavones then Medical Research varies. From this article, you will get to know the health benefits as well as the side effects of isoflavones so that you can know if it is beneficial for you or not.
What is Isoflavones?
Isoflavones are a type of nutritional supplement which is produced by the Fabaceae (Leguminosae Or bean) family. They are a specific group of molecules that contain a phytochemical found in foods like legumes and herbs like red clover. They are considered phytoestrogens which means the structure is similar to the female hormone that is estrogen. Isoflavones are antioxidant compounds which means they reduce damage due to oxygen such as caused by free radicals and it may help fight against certain types of cancer.
If we talk about food items, soybeans contain the highest level of isoflavones and the herbal sources that are rich in isoflavones include red clover and alfalfa. Like soy, red clover is regarded as a legume that contains phytoestrogens. In their general form, soy isoflavones include genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. Isoflavones that are found in red clover include formononetin, biochanin A, daidzein, and genistein.
Study shows that there are conflicting results on isoflavones which means some show benefits to health while others indicate harmful side effects also.
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Health benefits of Isoflavones
Isoflavones have many common medical uses and the conditions that may improve by the use of isoflavones vary. The following are some of the health benefits of isoflavones:
- Breast Cancer
As mentioned above, research on isoflavones is contradictory. People who eat a high soy diet during their adolescent years may have a lower risk of breast cancer in their later life. But some research also shows that isoflavones from soy can increase the risk of cancer.
- Diabetes
Isoflavones are beneficial for diabetic patients. The studies show that if a person is eating soy protein or fermented soy, it may reduce the blood sugar in that diabetic person.
- Diarrhea in infants
In infants, soy formula supplementation may shorten the duration of diarrhea in comparison to drinking formula from cow’s milk. But the results are not the same for adults as in adults, soy fiber was not found to improve diarrhea.
- Controls High Cholesterol
Clinical research has proven that isoflavones from soy reduce bad cholesterol called LDL but it is important to know that only the protein-based food sources of isoflavones like tofu, tempeh, and other soy products are known to lower cholesterol, and isoflavones supplements were not found to be effective.
- Controls High Blood Pressure
The people who have a slight increase in blood pressure can eat soy as it may lower the blood pressure slightly but it is not for the people who have severely elevated blood pressure. So we can say that isoflavones are suggested for only those people who have a slight increase in blood pressure.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome
According to research, isoflavones found in soy may improve symptoms of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) like abdominal pain.
- Menopausal symptoms
If you have symptoms like irritability, depression, and hot flashes then the use of isoflavones can be lessened. However, it is not found to be beneficial for night sweats.
- Osteoporosis
According to studies, soy protein from food sources and isoflavones in supplement form both are known to increase bone density and have proven to be effective in osteoporosis.
Are there any side effects of Isoflavones?
Most of the side effects of isoflavones are related to the long-term use of supplements and not from dietary sources such as soy products. But research shows that soy isoflavones are involved in the development of Kawasaki disease. Common side effects of isoflavones may include GI upset, constipation, bloating, nausea, allergic reactions, and loss of appetite. A high dosage of isoflavones has shown swelling of the ankles and abdominal tenderness. Another study shows that exposure to soy-based infant formula results in negative effects on the long-term development of Infants.
The Final Words
Although much of the clinical research shows that isoflavones have health benefits like promoting cardiac health, reducing menopausal symptoms, and more but there is quite contradictory evidence also. Like for example, the use of isoflavones is known for preventing breast cancer but several studies have identified various types of cancer so the use of isoflavones also shows the risk of cancer.
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Therefore, it is recommended to use this nutritional supplement, isoflavones with consultation from your healthcare provider. In last, I hope this blog is sufficient enough to provide the information of Health Benefits of Isoflavones.
