Isoflavonoids are a type of flavonoid found in legumes, with potential health benefits such as reducing the risk of heart disease and cancer. Soy is a good dietary source of isoflavonoids, including phytoestrogen, which can prevent and treat certain types of cancer and menopause symptoms. While isoflavonoids may lower LDL cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque, their effects on cardiovascular health are inconclusive. Scientists are also developing new ways to synthesize isoflavonoids for medical benefits.
Isoflavonoids belong to a group of compounds called flavonoids, or bioflavonoids, which occur naturally in plants where they serve various functions, such as pigments that give color to flowers and fruits. The main plant source of isoflavonoids is legumes, such as various types of peas and beans. Isoflavonoids have been shown in research to have certain antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, and are being extensively studied for their potential health benefits in humans. For example, some studies indicate that certain isoflavonoid compounds may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, treat menopausal symptoms, and inhibit the growth of breast and prostate cancer tumors. Soy is high in isoflavonoids, and various soy products such as tofu, tempeh, and soy milk are good dietary sources of isoflavonoid compounds.
Phytochemicals is a general term used to describe various plant compounds, such as isoflavonoids, that are not vitamins or minerals, but are believed to have potential health benefits. Scientists are studying the benefits and effects of many phytochemicals, but daily intake of these compounds is not yet recommended. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and legumes such as soybeans, chickpeas, and green peas will provide many types of flavonoid and isoflavonoid compounds.
One much-researched type of isoflavonoid is phytoestrogen, which can be derived from soybeans and is similar to the estrogen produced in the human body. Scientific research indicates that phytoestrogen can be used to prevent and treat certain types of cancer, by blocking the sometimes carcinogenic effects of human estrogen. Phytoestrogen can also be used to treat mild symptoms of menopause. Eating soy-rich foods may have some effect on some postmenopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and osteoporosis, also known as bone loss.
The effects of isoflavonoid compounds on cardiovascular health are also being investigated, but the results are inconclusive. Some studies have indicated that isoflavonoids can lower levels of LDL cholesterol, the so-called bad cholesterol, and also reduce the presence of arterial plaque, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. However, other studies show only minor or no effects on cardiovascular health.
Isoflavonoids are mainly extracted from plants, but scientists are also developing new ways to synthesize isoflavonoids. One of these methods involves the use of microbes specifically designed to produce these compounds. In the future, this may make it possible to manufacture large quantities of known isoflavonoid compounds, and also to produce new isoflavonoids that have specific medical benefits.
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