soyis a plant used worldwide with many benefits. In addition to high levels of protein, fiber, minerals, vitamins and amino acids, soy products containIsoflavones, whichas so-called phytoestrogens have a beneficial effect on theHormone balanceimpactIn addition to their alleviating effect on menopausal symptoms, isoflavones canalso positive effects forBone metabolism and are also antioxidants.

What exactly is soy?

The soybean (Glycine max. (L.) MERR.) is a plant species from the subfamily Fabaceae, which in turn belongs to theLegume familyIt is an annual, herbaceous plant in many varieties.The tall varieties can grow up to two meters tall, while many other varieties reach heights of between 20 and 80 centimeters. The taproots of the soybean are pronounced and can reach up to 1.5 meters in length.In Japan, soybeans were proven to have been cultivated as early as 3000 years before the Common Era. About 1500 years later, it also spread to China and Korea as a food crop. Today, it is considered the most important oilseed worldwide and is used not only asFood and feeduse, but also in theProduction of biodiesel, soy lecithin and cosmetic products.

What is special about soy?

Soybeans arevery rich in protein and fiberand serve, for example, in the form of tofu, miso or tempeh asnutrient-rich meat substitute. In addition, soy containsmany minerals, such as potassium, phosphorus and magnesium,Vitamins likeVitamin Eand some B vitaminsas well as a number of amino acids, includingArginineSoya is also interesting because of itshigh content of isoflavonesThese are secondary plant substances that are also called phytoestrogens because of their effect on the hormonal balance.

What makes phytoestrogens so valuable?

The vegetablePhytoestrogen and the human hormone estrogen can both bind to the cell nucleusIf the estrogen concentration in the cell is too high, the mild phytoestrogens compete with the highly active hormone estrogen for the binding sites on the cell nucleus. This means that not as many estrogens can bind to the cell nucleus and stimulate it too much.During menopause, however, the estrogen concentration is too low, then the phytoestrogens can dock at the free binding sites of the cell nucleus and thus support the metabolism.

Which foods contain soy isoflavones?

The effective phytoestrogens are found in many soy productsfrom the classic soybean to tofu (soy curd) to fermented versions such as tempeh and miso (soy paste) and products such as soy milk or yoghurt.