Soybeans contain hormone-like substances called phytoestrogens that mimic the action of the hormone oestrogen.
Soybeans and menopausal hot flushes
Due to their phytoestrogen content, it has been thought that soy can reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes. This is due to the observation that Asian women tend to have soy-rich diets and typically have fewer hot flushes during menopause than their Western counterparts (who tend to have meat-rich diets). However, recent studies have found little effect on a soy-rich diet or supplementation. It is thought that a soy-rich diet helps reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, because the phytoestrogens act like a mild form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Measured reductions in the rate of hot flushes associated with soy consumption vary from 1.9 per cent to 45 per cent.
More research is needed, but soybeans seem to offer promise in helping some women to manage menopausal hot flushes. If phytoestrogens do work, studies suggest that you need at least two to three serves of soy products daily. This would mean either:
- 500 ml of soy milk per day
- 100 g of tofu per day
- Four to five slices of soy linseed bread per day (depending on the brand).
