|
Soy Proteins (Phytoestrogens)
Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals naturally found in plants. There
are two main classes of phytoestrogen of interest to human health and
these are: lignans and isoflavones.
Isoflavones exist in at least fifteen different chemical forms Isoflavones
have similar structure to oestrogen and have the capacity to exert both oestrogenic
and anti-oestrogenic effects
- They may block the effects of oestrogen in some tissues
- They may act like oestrogen in providing possible protection against bone
loss and heart disease.
Lignans are much more widespread in plant foods but investigation has been
limited at this point.
|
