Sunday, February 18, 2007

ISOFLAVONES


Ok, so here is another one of those “words” that people are throwing around in health circles-and what exactly does it mean, besides that they are good for us?

They are a class of phytochemicals-(and what does THAT mean?) Phyto always means “plant” so that’s a start. They are a type of phytoestrogen-so plant hormone that is similar to human estrogen. Got it. Hey, that’s good too!

So, what sort of plants have isoflavones? The legumes especially chick peas (garbanzo beans) and … tada … soybeans. Soybeans have the highest concentration of isoflavone compounds, and apparently, in particular, genistein and daidzein.

Genistein inhibits those cells that would do that fatty buildup in the arterial walls-which means anyone that has tendencies towards high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke, atherosclerosis - great stuff to get in the daily recipes.

More good news - because it is a phytoestrogen, it will satisfy those overabundant estrogen receptors we have accumulated (in our fat) due to poor eating for years. That means it will lower our overall estrogen counts; more good news because elevated estrogen results in, and encourages the growth of, fibroids in the uterus and breasts. UC did a study that showed that genistein actually killed cancer cells in a similar way to those cancer killing drugs! Wa-hoo. What type of cancer? It happened to be prostate cancer.

Isoflavones promote strong bones, according to the U of Hong Kong, and U of Illinois, and the N.A.M.S. (north American menopause society) goes so far as to say it could well be a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy if you are getting symptoms.

The best way to get the soy? Naturally, naturally. EDAMAME. Those soy beans in the pods have the highest isoflavones, and tempeh. The bottom of the list is soy milk, and tofu, just for the record. Try adding a serving a day and see how you FEEL!

Here’s news from another study which said just switching to a “healthier” diet, not even to raw, just adding fruits and vegetables to the diet, and reducing fats and sugar, according to their study, showed a drop of 36% in blood estrogen levels within 8 to 10 weeks! Why? Those phytoestrogens in the plants products are binding to the cell receptors, and at the same time, satisfying the body.

Other food sources for phytoestrogens … NUTS! If you start to feel crabby, bitchy, pissy, irritable…oh you know, that general PMS feeling-your estrogen is DROPPING. Did you stop eating your NUTS? (hahaha, sorry) Eat those nuts and oils. Flaxseed oil in particular, add flaxseed meal to the smoothies and juices for a nutty texture, and our greens, and try adding Edamame. Costco has big bags of it, and kids love to eat the beans out of the pod. They are a bit addicting too.

2 comments:

CatherineAnn said...

Wild Oats has frozen edimame already shelled that I have been adding to chopped vegtable salads. Easy and good.

Joy! said...

Goo to know! I just bought a bag of them in the pods-I love to pop the pods open! Like a kid.