Mind & Body

In fact it has been theorized that the reason there is a lower incidence of osteoporosis in countries like Japan is because they have a high soy content in their diets. Until now however there were no clinical studies on humans to prove this theory…

A Clinical Study

A three year clinical study, looking at the effects of soy, has just been completed and published¹ from the University of California. A double-blind randomized controlled trial examined² soy isoflavones (the active substances found in soy) doses against placebo tablets in healthy postmenopausal women. They found that soy isoflavone treatment was beneficial for both bone mineral density and strengthening in femur (leg) bones.

Whilst the results were fairly modest in this study, another study published in January in the leading journal Menopause had much more significant results. The 1-year double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial used a soy derivative that they tested in 93 post-menopausal women. The results showed that a biological marker for bone loss was decreased by nearly 24% with use of the supplement, compared with just 3% change in the placebo group; thus indicating soy was having a dramatic and positive effect on bone health.

Furthermore, treatment with the soy derivative prevented a decrease in bone mineral density in the entire body after just 12 months.

These studies mark an exciting development in soy research and show for the first time in humans that theories about the health benefits of the bean are correct.

How to take soy

Whilst there are now many soy products on the market, from soy sauce to non-dairy milk replacements, it is important to remember that not all soy is the same. The health benefits of soy come from substances called isoflavones and the amount of these found in soy depends on its quality.

One of the highest quality soy products currently on the market is a new lifestyle drink called Lifegain. The soy protein isolates in Lifegain are extracted using a unique process. The most common way of preparing soy for human consumption is through chemical extraction, meaning a lower quality end product.

However, Lifegain uses something completely different, a specialised water filtration method, which ensures the highest quality soy protein on the market to help you get the most from this little bean.

Furthermore, the soy is mixed with other important vitamins and minerals in a tasty vanilla shake mix so you get even more benefits.

More details

www.verdurehealthcare.com

References

1. J Clin Densitom. 2011 Jan-Mar;14(1):47-57. The soy isoflavones for reducing bone loss study: 3-yr effects on pQCT bone mineral density and strength measures in postmenopausal women. Shedd-Wise KM, Alekel DL, Hofmann H, Hanson KB, Schiferl DJ, Hanson LN, Van Loan MD. 
2. Menopause. 2011 Jan 19. Natural S-equol decreases bone resorption in postmenopausal, non-equol-producing Japanese women: a pilot randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Tousen Y, Ezaki J, Fujii Y, Ueno T, Nishimuta M, Ishimi Y.