Isoflavones are the "active ingredient" of soya products. They belong to a class of substances called "phytoestrogens" meaning, literally, "plant oestrogens". They are given this name because they occur naturally in plants and have similar hormonal effects to the body's own oestrogen, although many hundreds of times weaker. Isoflavones are also thought to provide extra protection during the ageing process due to their antioxidant properties.

Ease menopause symptoms - Recent studies have found that soy isoflavones can reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flushes and increase bone density in women. Further research carried out suggest Isoflavones as a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has shown to be effective in reducing hot flushes, headaches, irritability and vaginal dryness.

Osteoporosis Isoflavones help achieve a balanced oestrogen level, which can help maintain bone strength and may prevent osteoporosis.

The Isoflavones in Soya have been shown to balance the female hormone oestrogen, increasing it when it is low and decreasing it when it is too high. This makes them especially relevant to treatment of menopausal symptoms, since at the time of the menopause, the oestrogen level in a woman's body falls significantly. A sudden fall in oestrogen levels can result in thinning and weakening of bone tissue, which may ultimately lead to osteoporosis. Isoflavones have also received impressive testimonials with regards to hot flushes and vaginal dryness.

Genistein & Daidzein - these soya oestrogens as a group are known as isoflavones and exhibit phytoestrogenic activity. It is the presence of these phytoestrogens that is responsible for the beneficial effects described above.

1. Journal of Nutrition, 125 (1995), pp. 437-45

2. Albertazzi, p et al "The effect of dietary soy-supplementation on hot flushes",
     Obstetrics and Gynaecology, 91 (1998) p.1