Health Benefits of Isoflavones

by Helen Pensanti, M.D.

Ease menopause symptoms - The benefits of soy go beyond reducing long-term cancer risk. Recent studies have found that soy isoflavones can reduce menopause symptoms such as hot flushes and increase bone density in women. Indeed, many menopausal and post-menopausal health problems may result from a lack of isoflavones in the typical Western diet. Although study results are not entirely consistent, isoflavones from soy or red clover may be helpful for symptoms of menopause.
Isoflavones improve bone health - Soy Isoflavones help in the preservation of the bone substance and fight osteoporosis. This is the reason why people in China and Japan very rarely have osteoporosis, despite their low consumption of dairy products, whereas in Europe and North America the contrary happens. Unlike estrogen, which helps prevent the destruction of bone, evidence suggests that isoflavones may also assist in creating new bone. Other studies are not entirely consistent, but evidence suggests that genistein and other soy isoflavones can help prevent osteoporosis.

Red Clover produces estrogenic effects when rubbed on the skin or swallowed.

Isoflavones in Red Clover provide an estrogenic effect.

Red clover is a mild diuretic.

Some of my patients have reported a minor skin rash and itching. These women are then put on another product that does not contain the Red Clover.

Red Clover has mild blood-thinning properties that may increase the risk of bleeding when using Coumadin or Warfarin, or even Aspirin.

by Helen Pensanti, M.D.