A soybean component has been shown to promote health in an animal model of the menopause, according to Taiwanese scientists.
The research, conducted at the National Chiayi University in Taiwan, suggests that the compounds in question called soy aglycons of isoflavone (SAI) may be used as nutritional supplements to lower cholesterol and increase the anti-oxidative properties of the liver.
As such they can be useful in protecting against cardiovascular diseases, including coronary heart disease, which post-menopausal women are at an elevated risk of.
The compounds may also be useful in preventing degeneration of the vaginal lining.
“SAI have weak estrogenic properties and weve shown here that menopause-related syndromes can be prevented or improved by dietary supplementation with the compounds it contains,” says Dr. Robin Chiou, who leads the research team.
The researchers also expressed hope that soy nutritional supplements may provide an alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT), which has been linked to a higher risk of uterus and breast cancer.
Health practitioners have also suggested that exercise, massages and reflexology treatments may minimize unpleasant menopause symptoms including hot flashes, headaches, insomnia, weight gain and fatigue. 