Soy Isoflavone Molecular Structure
Isoflavones (or Isoflavonoids) are Bioflavonoids possessing many health benefits. The three primary Isoflavones used for their therapeutic benefits are: Daidzein, Genistein and Glycitein. These Isoflavonoids are typically derived from Soybeans although some herbs also contain Isoflavones. They possess estrogen-like qualities and thus are classified as Phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens bind to Estrogen Receptors preventing endogenous Estrogen from binding to these sites. Isoflavonoids exhibit about one thousandth of the Estrogen activity of endogenous Estrogen. Displacing excess estrogen can have beneficial effects on Cardiovascular, Immune System and Sexual Health. Isoflavonoids have far reaching health implications in the prevention and treatment of hormone dependent Cancer and Cardiovascular Health.
This brief excerpt from The National Institue of Health describes the wide therapeutic value Isoflavones. From the NIH: “The estrogenic activity of isoflavones ranges from a hundredth to a thousandth of that of estrogen itself. Isoflavones play a role in regulating the effects of estrogen in the human body, depending on the situation. Thus, when estrogen is insufficient, isoflavones perform the functions of estrogen, and when estrogen is excessive, isoflavones block the estrogen receptors to which estrogen binds, thus acting as an estrogen antagonist. In particular, estrogen antagonistic activity is important in the breast, endometrium, and prostate, and such antagonistic activity suppresses cancer occurrence. Genistein, an isoflavone, has cancer-suppressing effects on estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) cancers, including breast cancer. It suppresses the function of enzymes such as tyrosine protein kinase, mitogen-activated kinase, and DNA polymerase II, thus inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. Genistein is the most biologically active and potent isoflavone candidate for cancer prevention. Furthermore, among the various physiological functions of isoflavones, they are best known for their antioxidant activities. S-Equol, a metabolite of genistein and daidzein, has strong antioxidative effects; however, the ability to metabolize daidzein into S-equol varies based on racial and individual differences. The antioxidant activity of isoflavones may be effective in preventing dementia by inhibiting the phosphorylation of Alzheimer’s-related tau proteins. Genistein also reduces allergic responses by limiting the expression of mast cell IgE receptors, which are involved in allergic responses. In addition, they have been known to prevent and treat various diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndromes, osteoporosis, diabetes, brain-related diseases, high blood pressure, hyperlipidemia, obesity, and inflammation. Further, it also has positive effects on menstrual irregularity in non-menopausal women and relieving menopausal symptoms in middle-aged women.”
The Health Benefits of Isoflavones:
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM
• May help to prevent Ischemic Stroke.
• Atherosclerosis may be prevented by supplementation.
DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
• May help prevent Gallstones.
EXCRETORY SYSTEM
• Can enhance Kidney function.
IMMUNE SYSTEM
• May help to prevent/treat certain types of Cancer such as:
▪ Breast
▪ Colon
▪ Endometrial
▪ Glioblastoma Multiforme
▪ Leukemia
▪ Liver
▪ Lung
▪ Pancreatic
▪ Prostate
▪ Skin
▪ Squamous Cell Carcinoma
▪ Stomach
▪ Uterine
• Activates NK Lymphocytes.
METABOLISM
• Possesses Antioxidant properties.
• Improves one’s Total Cholesterol Profile by increasing High Density Lipoproteins (HDL Cholesterol) and lowering both Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL Cholesterol) and Triglycerides.
• Weight Loss in those afflicted with Obesity, may be stimulated by supplementation.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM
• Helps prevent Osteoporosis due to their ability to increase Bone Density, especially when taken with Zinc.
• May stimulate Muscle Growth in Men.
NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Can improve Spatial Memory in Men.
• Persons afflicted with Alcoholism may reduce their craving for Alcohol with supplementation.
• By stimulating the production of Choline Acetylase, increases Acetylcholine and may improve Memory.
• Isoflavones may reduce Anxiety.
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
• May help to prevent Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Female)
• Symptoms of Menopause, including hot flashes, are greatly reduced with supplementation.
• Useful in the treatment of Mastalgia.
• Tends to lower Testosterone in Females.
SEXUAL SYSTEM (Male)
• By inhibiting the Aromatase enzyme, helps increase Testosterone in Males.
• Helps to mitigate the toxic effects of Estrogen on the Prostate gland by binding to Estrogen Receptors and displacing endogenous Estrogen.
• Inhibits Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. DHT is implicated in Enlarged Prostate and Prostate Cancer.
• Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) may be lowered by supplementation.
• Helps to treat an Enlarged Prostate gland.
SKIN
• Applied topically, helps slow aging of the Skin.
• Inhibits the ability Sunlight to photo-age and damage the Skin.
• May increase Skin thickness alleviating Thin Skin.
• The Collagen content of Skin may be increased by supplementation.
How Isoflavonoids Improve Health
USAGE
The typical daily dosage for Isoflavonoids ranges from 45-160mg. Since these preparations may contain natural Protease Inhibitors it’s best to take them one hour prior to a meal to avoid the possibility of stomach upset. The dosage for Women wanting to reduce the symptoms of Menopause is 25-60mg daily. The dosage for Men for treating an Enlarged Prostate or Prostate Cancer is from 60-160mg. Similar dosing applies to Women using for Breast Cancer.
Isoflavone Content of Foods
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Isoflavones are extremely safe when used as directed. However, due to their very powerful effects there are some contraindications to be aware of.
• DO NOT USE Isoflavones if undergoing any kind of Radiation Therapy. Isoflavones are so effective at protecting cells from the toxic effects of Radiation that they will actually shield the Cancer Cells from Radiation Therapy making it less effective. Discontinue use one week prior to undergoing Radiation Therapy.
• Excessive use of Isoflavones may cause atrophy of the Thymus.
• Some Isoflavone preparations contain Oxalic Acid which should be avoided if you suffer from Kidney Stones.
• Excessive use of Isoflavones may contribute to Hypothyroidism. If this is a concern, check your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) prior to Isoflavone therapy and every six months thereafter.
Isoflavone Concentration in Soy
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