Guest guest Posted January 12, 2002 Report Share Posted January 12, 2002 Doubt Cast On Soy for Menopause Many women swear by chemicals found in soy to relieve the effects of the menopause - but research has undermined evidence of some benefits. The research found that there was no difference in the hormone levels of women taking the supplements compared with other women. Soy is said to work because it contains plant hormones called phyto-estrogens - which are similar in structure to a sex hormone produced by women. When the menopause diminishes the production of female sex hormones, it is claimed the phyto-estrogens can partially mimic them and relieve symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Proponents of soy claim they can also reduce cholesterol levels in the blood stream, perhaps extending the protection against heart disease enjoyed by pre-menopausal women. However, a team of researchers from the University of Illinois School of Public Health in Chicago carried out tests on 73 postmenopausal women, none of whom was taking HRT. They were given diets including either low or high doses of soy chemicals, or one containing a milk protein. Blood samples were collected at the beginning of the study and after three and six months on the diets. However, over time, there was no significant difference in the levels of several hormones between the three groups. The researchers concluded that there was no evidence that soy intake was having any effect on levels of key sex hormones in the blood, which might bring relief from menopausal symptoms. 'More research needed' American Journal of Clinical Nutrition January 2002 ------ -------- DR. MERCOLA'S COMMENT: No breaking news for long-time readers of this newsletter as I have published this two previous times. But anytime soy comes up negative in the literature you will be sure I will post it so it can added to the ever accumulating scientific evidence that soy is not all that is cracked up to be. Now, I am not saying that soy is an evil poison that needs to be avoided at all costs. But it does not provide many of the benefits that people are led to believe. There are probably some benefits to people consuming fermented soy products like miso and tempeh. Additionally in children it is one of the worst things you could feed to your child. I am quite certain that I will live to see the day all soy formulas are removed from the market as their toxicity to infants is finally recognized. Just like birth control pills, I don't think there is ever any reason to justify using them. Related Articles: Soy Phytoestrogen May Not Work For Hot Flashes Soy Supplements Fail to Help Menopause Symptoms How Safe is Soy Infant Formula? Soy Formulas and the Effects of Isoflavones on the Thyroid _____________ Get the FREE email that has everyone talking at http://www.mail2world.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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