Isoflavones

Numerous studies report positive health effects of these plant substances and have awaken increased interest in soy in recent years. But what actually are isoflavones?

Definition

Isoflavones are natural plant substances, which are contained in very small quantities in some plants. Isoflavones are also called phytoestrogens because they can act like hormones. The soybean is one of the richest sources of isoflavones. Genistein, Daidzein and Glycitein are the three best-known isoflavones.

Health effects

In the 1940s it was found that some plant compounds could act similar to endogenous hormones. Various effects were observed in sheep grazing on red clover-rich (also isoflavone-rich) pastures.

Reason: isoflavones have molecular structures similar to endogenous estrogen - a female sex hormone – and therefore are also known as phytoestrogens (plant estrogens). The potency is about 100 to 1000 times lower. This effect, however, is sufficient to see positive effects on the skin, bone quality, as well as on menopause symptoms and in the prevention of certain cancers in humans. These findings have made isoflavones to a subject of intense research.

Role of isoflavones in the plant

Isoflavones are built in all parts of the plant and play a role in the plant defense system and the communication from one cell to the next. Isoflavones e.g. build in the roots of soya a special symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, the rhizobia. At first the nitrogen of the air is bound and then converted to soluble, usable compounds for the plant. In addition, the plant builds isoflavones, when it is confronted with micro-organisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi) or stress-triggering environmental factors (chemicals, UV light, mechanical damage). Isoflavones protect the plant by killing viruses, bacteria or fungi.

Conclusion

Main dietary sources of phytoestrogens with all its health benefits are soy foods. Try our delicious recipes that provide soy dishes for every taste.