Phytoestrogens: Women’s Health
Since the European Union was created in 2003 Phytohealth, a pan-European network of institutions to assess, in a scientific, biological and toxicological effects and safety of phytoestrogens. The aim was to establish the dose and the best dietary sources for consumption.
Of the most common isoflavones, genistein is the one that shows a greater affinity for estrogen receptors. These predominate in the central nervous system, bone, vascular wall and the genital tract. Several epidemiological studies have shown that consumption (as a supplement or by consuming soy products) is associated with fewer hot flashes, increased bone mass, reduced risk of coronary heart disease and less vaginal dryness.
Bones and Osteoporosis
Although today we tend to consider a higher bone density could be associated with higher intake of phytoestrogens, the number of studies supporting this hypothesis is limited. In all, the project VENUS (Vegetal Estrogens in Nutrition and Skeleton) is the one that best reflects the consumption-profit association.
This study concludes that for the moment, not have conclusive evidence that isoflavones (soy protein, pure extract or soy isoflavone genistein) have a beneficial effect on bone mineral density, although the outlook in this sense are good. If these forecasts are confirmed, phytoestrogens would be an alternative or supplement without side effects to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the treatment of choice to curb osteoporosis in women after menopause.
Menopause symptoms
It has been suggested that Asian women, heavy consumers of soybeans and derivatives, show a significantly lower incidence of symptoms associated with menopause compared with Western women, little accustomed to consumption. Although scientific evidence is very limited, many Western women have begun taking isoflavone extract as a supplement during menopause and there have been improvements in the discomfort associated with it. The results, however, are mixed with one exception: a reduction in hot flashes.
Breast cancer
According to experts, has achieved a “certain evidence” that links the consumption of soy isoflavones and reduced risk of breast cancer in women before and after menopause. In the same vein, studies in pre-and postmenopausal Asian women suggest an inverse association between high consumption of soy foods and breast cancer. The data point to a reduction of one third (33%) chance of developing breast cancer after menopause.
In regard to the menstrual cycle, isoflavones have been clinically shown potential to increase the length of the follicular phase and delay the peak of progesterone. Thus, they act as regulators of the cycle, an aspect considered protective in preventing breast cancer.
Substitutes
As the Western diet does not include soy as a staple food, from several European countries are promoting research to identify other phytoestrogens that may be incorporated in the diet of Western women. The most studied are the lignans and their bioactive metabolites, the enterolignanos. According to preliminary results, a high intake of lignans is associated with lower risk for the development of breast cancer. For this reason, they are framed in the preventive group of nutrients. However, there is no conclusive evidence about the recommended dose and duration of consumption. It will be necessary to await the results of new research.
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