Soya isoflavones are a type of plant-based phyto-oestrogen. This means that they’re a type of compound that mimics the effects of the oestrogen found in the body, that are derived from plants, in particular soya and soya products.
Once soya isoflavones enter the body, they can bind to the same chemical receptors as oestrogen, and trick the body into thinking it has higher levels of oestrogen.
This can be particularly beneficial for women going through the perimenopause or the menopause, as during this time, a woman’s natural levels of oestrogen begin to fall. This then leads to unpleasant symptoms such as hot flushes, mood swings and night sweats.
Soya beans (edamame beans), soya milk, tofu, miso soup and tempeh (fermented tofu) are all good natural sources of soya isoflavones.
