According to a recent study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, consuming soy may be beneficial to improving metabolic and cardiovascular health in women who have PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).
PCOS is the leading cause responsible for infertility in 70 percent of female. It also increases risk of serious health conditions such as insulin resistance, leading to elevated risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Those suffering from PCOS experience irregular periods and high levels of "male hormones" in the body. Though around 5-10% of women in India are affected by PCOS, only about 50% of women are diagnosed.
The study examined how a diet containing soy isoflavones could benefit women with PCOS. Soy isoflavones are naturally occurring, plant-based estrogens found in the soybean plant. They are found in foods such as soymilk, as well as srtificial supplements. Dietary isoflavones have protective effects against menopausal symptoms, coronary heart disease, cancer, hyperlipidemia, osteoporosis, and various forms of chronic renal disease. The trial, led by Mehri Jamilian and Zatollah Asemi, was performed on 70 women aged between 18-40 years, having PCOD.
Asemi from Kashan University of Medical Sciences said, "In the first study to examine the connection, we found women who consumed soy isoflavones regularly saw improvement in biological markers that reflect how effectively the body utilizes insulin to process sugars and had reduced levels of harmful cholesterol."