Soy Extracts

Discover the Benefits of Soy Extract Supplements

Soybeans are a type of legume that belongs to the pea family and can also be found in a soy extract supplement. Soybeans are native to East Asia and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Soybeans are highly valued both for their nutritional content and versatility of use. From a composition standpoint, soybeans are pretty complex and contain various essential nutrients and bioactive compounds.

These include complete protein (all the essential amino acids), carbohydrates, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, vitamins such as folate (vitamin B9), vitamin K, and vitamin C, and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Soybeans are also rich in naturally occurring compounds called isoflavones, which belong to a larger class of compounds known as phytoestrogens. These can mimic or modulate the effects of estrogen in the human body. The most common isoflavones found in soybeans are genistein and daidzein. 

How Do Soy Extracts Help?

Soy isoflavones have a similar chemical structure to the hormone estrogen, which allows them to bind to estrogen receptors in the body and exert estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects. This means that they can interact directly with the body's estrogen receptors and either mimic or block the effects of estrogen as needed.

Because of these interesting estrogen-like properties, soy isoflavones have been studied extensively in a number of therapeutic applications and have been shown to offer numerous significant health benefits. 

Comprehensive Health Benefits of Soy Isoflavones

• Relief Of Menopausal Symptoms: Soy isoflavones help alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. They are often used as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
• Promote Bone Health: Studies have shown that soy isoflavones have a beneficial effect on bone health. Notably, they help reduce bone loss, increase bone density, reduce the frequency of fractures, and help prevent osteoporosis. 
• Protect Cardiovascular Health: Soy isoflavones offer significant cardiovascular benefits and have been proven to improve heart health. Among other things, they can reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and improve blood vessel function, both of which help lower the risk of heart disease. They can also effectively be used to treat arteriosclerosis, of arterial disease (narrowing of the arteries).

Moreover, soy isoflavones have been shown to help boost libido, lower inflammation, and promote weight loss and appetite control.

Available Forms and Dosages of Soy Extract Supplements

Soy isoflavone supplements are available in various forms, such as capsules, tablets, or powders. These supplements provide concentrated doses of isoflavones in a range of potencies. 

The recommended daily dose can vary depending on the specific product and individual needs. That said, general guidelines suggest a daily dose ranging from 40 to 100mg for most adults.

Important Considerations for Choosing Soy Supplements

With all the benefits of soy isoflavones, it's also important to realize that not all supplements are created equal. When it comes to soy, a problem that exists is that a significant portion of crops grown worldwide are genetically modified (GMO). These genetically modified soybeans, also known as "Roundup Ready soybeans," were engineered to be herbicide-tolerant, allowing farmers to spray herbicides to control weeds without harming the soybean plants. The flip side is that genetically modified soybeans come with considerable safety concerns, such as the potential for allergies and environmental and health concerns short and long term. To ensure you get a safe and effective soy isoflavone product, look for one clearly labelled as being sourced from certified non-GMO soy.