Posted on February 11, 2010.
Can Soy Benefit Our bones? Although many Americans suffer from this chronic disease known as osteoporosis, because of the issue is more than 80% of those diagnosed are women. There are several types of osteoporosis, the most common is called post-menopausal osteoporosis.
Because women's estrogen levels drop during menopause, bone density is affected. Mainly women aged 50-75 are most affected. However, the loss of bone density may occur earlier or later. Studies show that women can lose up to 20% of their bone density and bone mass in the first 5-7 years following menopause.
The cost of osteoporosis
This disease takes a heavy toll on the body. Many women suffer from chronic pain and the disease is more than 1.5 million fractures each year, the majority of fractures involve the vertebrae or spinal area. Many times death may even be associated with this disease. Approximately 24% of people over 50 who suffer hip fractures die within a year.
Some results of soybean Great
In one study, women in Shanghai's Health Study of 75,000 Chinese women aged 40-70, the researchers concluded that increased consumption of soy protein was associated with a decreased risk of fracture. Specifically, women who received two cups of soy milk per day for the first ten years after menopause have seen an even better reduction in bone loss and fractures.
Other Asian studies have generally shown that soy intake is positively related to bone mineral density (BMD). Currently, the U.S. government has conducted its own studies on the effects of soy consumption on bone density of the skeleton and makeup.
The role of isoflavones
Although some soy and soy products do contain calcium, the concentration has been focused on the substance estrogen called isoflavones in soy. studies have found that isoflavones in Japanese women eating a higher amount of isoflavones than their counterparts in higher rates of bone density. Not only isoflavones reduce the lowering of the common bone density in postmenopausal women, but also increase bone mass.
In 2000, the nonprofit organization called the North American Menopause Society (NAMS) has published a consensus on the issue of soy products and its benefits for women's health. The statement addressed the potential benefits of isoflavones on the conditions associated with menopause. The company reported the following quantities and the amount of isoflavones may have health benefits for postmenopausal women:
* 50 milligrams per day to reduce cholesterol
* 40-80 milligrams per day to strengthen blood vessels and improve blood pressure
* 50 milligrams a day for bone health
* 40-80 milligrams per day to reduce hot flashes and night sweats
For those of you asking how soy isoflavones in your favorite products, please see the information below:
* 1 cup soy milk has 40 milligrams of isoflavones
* 4 ounces of tofu has 40 milligrams of isoflavones
* Textured soy protein has 35 milligrams per half cup
Soy flour * has 25 milligrams of isoflavones per half cup
* Both have 4 ounces of tempeh and 1 / 2 cup of miso approximately 40 milligrams of isoflavones
So as you can see, it does not take much soy to help the bones!