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Soy products are beneficial to cardiovascular and overall health because of their high content of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, low content of saturated fat, and biologically active compounds called phytochemicals.1
The three major isoflavones found in soybeans are genistin, daidzin, and glycitin. Soy isoflavones exert both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects, depending on the tissue in which they are acting. They are structurally similar to 17-estradiol, a mammalian estrogen, and are thus called phytoestrogens. They also have non-hormonal effects, including signal transduction and antioxidant activity. Soy isoflavones may inhibit bone resorbption and help stimulate bone formation,2 without the side effects of hormone replacement therapy.
In recent years there has been an increase in the number of basic science, clinical, and nutritional studies investigating the potential health effects of phytoestrogens.3 Genistein is the most abundant phytoestrogen, derived almost entirely from soybeans, and is proposed to be the most biologically active. In postmenopausal women in the U.S., the daily intake of genistein is only about one mg per day.4 The Japanese however, who consume about 50 mg per day, are the longest-lived people in the world.5
In recent years, the beneficial effects of genistein and other soy isoflavones have been shown in numerous published studies. These studies reveal that those who consume the most soy maintain healthier cell biological function and proliferation.42-45*
Other constituents of soy have also demonstrated effects that help explain the health and longevity of Asian populations who consume a great deal of soy in their diet.
In response to increasing evidence that other constituents of soy may provide significant cell protective effects, a formulation has been developed that provides standardized isoflavone extract plus fermented soy natto that may provide additional benefits.* Soy natto enhances isoflavone absorption and provides other nutrients contributed by the fermentation process.46,47 The enhanced absorption of genistein, daidzein, etc. may be significant enough that only one capsule of Super Absorbable Soy Isoflavones is required each day.
The fermented soy natto used in this formula incorporates a novel yeast (instead of bacteria) fermentation process. Japanese researchers have found that this type of cultured broth from yeast helps promote healthy cell function and proliferation.48* |