The isoflavones are a group of flavonoids (health boosting chemical compounds that can be found in plants) that have been credited with preventing breast cancer and prostate cancer.
In this article I will be explaining why, providing a full breakdown of 2 key isoflavones and discussing the richest food sources.
1) DAIDZEIN Daidzein is mainly found in soybeans and soy based products.
Green soybeans (67.
79 milligrams (mg) per 100 grams (g)), natto (21.
85mg per 100g), soy cheese (11.
24mg per 100g) and soy protein isolate (33.
59mg per 100g) are all excellent food sources of this isoflavone.
Daidzein's most notable health benefit is that it acts in a protective capacity against cancer (a health condition which causes your cells to grow in a rapid, uncontrollable way).
It is particularly protective against breast cancer and prostate cancer.
This isoflavone is also a powerful antioxidant (a substance that protects your body's cells from the damaging free radicals which are released during oxygen related reactions) and phytoestrogen (a substance that regulates the levels of estrogen within your body and negates its potentially damaging effects).
2) GENISTEIN Like daidzein, soybeans and soy based products contain the highest levels of genistein.
Some of the richest food sources include green soybeans (72.
51mg per 100g), miso (24.
56mg per 100g), natto (29.
04mg per 100g) and soy protein isolate (59.
62mg per 100g).
In terms of health benefits, genistein also has notable cancer fighting properties and is particularly effective against breast cancer and prostate cancer.
It is also a potent antioxidant, antihelmintic (a substance that removes parasitic worms from the body) and phytoestrogen.
Additionally, this isoflavone can prevent atherosclerosis (a condition where hard plaques form in the artery walls and restrict the flow of blood) and diabetes (a health condition which causes your blood glucose levels to become extremely high).
3) ISOFLAVONE SUMMARY Soy beans and soy based products are not normally part of UK and USA diets and as a result most people in these countries consume very few isoflavones.
However, you only need to look at the much lower cancer rates in Japan (which have been linked with the higher levels of isoflavone consumption) to see why you should be eating more soy.
Soy can be easily added to your diet with soy beans, soy cheese, soy milk and even soy protein isolate available in many stores.
So start mixing up your diet today and take advantage of all these isoflavone health benefits.