Soybeans are a natural remedy for menopausal women, as they can exert estrogenic effects without posing a cancer risk.
Soybeans are highly nutritious, primarily containing 35% plant protein and about 20% vegetable oil, starch, soy lecithin, vitamin E, isoflavones, and other healthy substances, with low levels of saturated fatty acids and no cholesterol. Soybeans help prevent cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and aging.
More importantly, soybeans contain natural phytoestrogens. The natural phytoestrogens in soybeans mainly include isoflavones, plant sterols, saponins, and lignans. When combined, their effects are significant and very gentle, unlike the side effects that can result from directly taking estrogen.
After menopause, women's ovaries atrophy, estrogen secretion becomes insufficient, and bone calcium is easily lost, leading to osteoporosis. Coronary arteries can harden, causing heart disease. For menopausal women or those who have undergone oophorectomy, consuming sufficient phytoestrogens from plants can prevent various post-menopausal symptoms.
According to research, one cup of soybeans contains about 300 milligrams of isoflavones, with pharmacological effects equivalent to 0.4 milligrams of pharmaceutical estrogen. Menopausal women who consume 200 milligrams of isoflavones from soybeans or soy products daily can experience estrogenic effects, resulting in the following outcomes: an increase in the number of vaginal surface cells and increased secretions, which counteracts the discomfort caused by post-menopausal vaginal atrophy and dryness. Furthermore, studies have also found that the phytoestrogens in soybeans can help prevent certain hormone-influenced cancers, such as breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.