RED
CLOVER AND SOY EXTRACT COMPLEX, 60 veg caps, 500 mg
Soy and Red Clover: help to support healthy hormonal balance
for all women.
Additional female hormonal and emotional support: 400 mg of
phytoestrogens (isoflavones) per capsule
Overview of Soy and Red Clover
Scientists classify soy isoflavones from the plant Glycine max
as phytoestrogens. Phyto is a Greek root word meaning plant, so
phytoestrogens are plant-based compounds that have estrogen-like
activity. Because they are structurally similar to estrogens,
these compounds compete for placement on cells receptor sites,
just as estrogen does and exert estrogenic activity in the body.
However, when the body's estrogen levels are naturally low, such
as during menopause, there is insufficient amounts of estrogen to
be fully effective. Because of their estrogen-like effects,
isoflavones have been studied for a wide spectrum of health
benefits from pre-menopausal symptoms to heart health. Several
studies have shown soy isoflavones have beneficial effects on
reducing menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats,
reduced libido, and vaginal dryness. As well, studies have shown
that isoflavones can reduce the risk of heart disease by lowering
harmful cholesterol (LDL) while improving healthy cholesterol
levels (HDL). The reduction of bone mineral density, which is a
major contributor to osteoporosis, may also be significantly
improved by the intake of soy isoflavones. Some studies are also
showing that the risk for certain types of hormone related
cancers, such as endometrial, breast, and prostate, can be
lowered.
There are four major types of soy isoflavones called genistein,
daidzein, biochanin, and formononetin that are considered to be
mainly responsible for the health benefits associated with
phytoestrogens.
Soy Isoflavones from Soybeans
Soybeans and soy foods like tofu are the best dietary source of
isoflavones as they contain the highest known amounts of genistein
and daidzein, the most powerful isoflavones. However, many soy
protein concentrates and soy products in the food supply may be
processed with alcohol, which reduces if not destroys the
isoflavone content. In order to provide the most effective
product, all of our Soy products are processed using only water
and are derived from Soy that has not been genetically engineered.
Soy Isoflavones from Red Clover
Red clover, just as soy, is a member of the legume family. The
unique point of difference between isoflavones derived from red
clover and those extracted from soybeans is that red clover
extracts contain all 4 different isoflavones (genistein, daidzein,
biochanin, and formononetin), while soybeans contain only 2 (genistein
and daidzein). Red clover also contains flavonoid compounds called
coumestans, which some studies suggest have six times more
estrogen like activity than isoflavones.
Dosage
Typical dosage is 30 to 60 mgs daily. Most conducted studies
mentioned above have been tested on levels of 25-100 mg of Soy
Isoflavones administered daily.
Cautions
- Pregnant or lactating women should avoid taking soy
isoflavone based supplements.
- If you are on kidney dialysis, consult a health care
practitioner prior to using Soy Isoflavones.
- Studies have reported that Soy Isoflavones (phytoestrogens)
act similar to the body's natural hormone estrogen. If you
have or are susceptible to hormonally related cancers, such as
breast, ovarian and prostate, consult your health care
practitioner prior to using Soy Isoflavones.
- Individuals that are allergic to soybeans should avoid all
soy isoflavone based supplements. A high fiber diet may
interfere with the absorption of soy isoflavones. Boosting soy
intake slightly more than the recommended amount may be
advisable.
- Consuming large amounts of Soy Isoflavones could suppress
thyroid function and/or cause a worsening of hypothyroidism.
If you have any type of thyroid disease consult a health care
practitioner prior to using Soy Isoflavones.
- There is some concern about the use of soy-based infant
formulas. Research indicates that exposing infants to high
levels of soy isoflavones may cause problems with the infant's
hormonal development.
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