Daidzein sources, health benefits and uses
Monday, September 11, 2017 by Earl Garcia
http://www.naturalpedia.com/daidzein-sources-health-benefits-and-uses.html
Daidzein is a beneficial bioflavonoid compound that belongs to a group of isoflavones. An article posted on the Phytochemicals website noted that isoflavones such as daidzein are also called phytoestrogens due to their estrogen activity. Soybeans, red clover, and kudzu are primary sources of daidzein.
Medicinal uses for daidzein
Daidzein is valued for its cardiovascular benefits. In fact, a 2006 study revealed that increasing daidzein levels may help reduce blood cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
As part of the study, the researchers pooled data from the Women’s Ischemia Syndrome Evaluation study with a total cohort population of nearly 500 women. More than a third of the gathered population were postmenopausal. The health experts found that higher daidzein levels were associated with marked reductions in the participants’ triglyceride levels and significant increases in good cholesterol levels. The results also showed that patients with the highest daidzein levels had 17 percent lower triglyceride rates and five percent higher good cholesterol levels than those who had the lowest deidzein levels.
“Our findings of the beneficial association between deidzein and lipoproteins…support the idea that deidzein may operate, in part at least, via an oestrogen receptor mechanism…These results require replication in future prospective, randomised trials using a dietary source of daidzein in women with low oestrogen levels, as well as correlative dietarry studies to link them to dietary habits, including supplement use,” the researchers wrote in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinoloy and Metabolism.
Aside from its cardiovascular benefits, daidzein is also greatly associated with marked improvements in women’s reproductive health. The beneficial compound is touted to relieve symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and dry skin. According to an entry featured in the Herb Wisdom website, isoflavones such as daidzein may serve as a substitute to the female hormone estrogen when it starts to deplete during the onset of menopause.
The beneficial compound is touted for its potential in cancer management as well. A previous study has shown that daidzein is just as effective as genistein, another type of isoflavone, in protecting the cells against oxidative damage. According to experts, consuming isoflavones such as daidzein reduces the risk of developing prostate cancer. The nutrient is also known to stave off mammary carcinogenesis.
The essential nutrient may also greatly benefit people with compromised bone density. Past studies have long established that daidzein stimulates the production of osteoblasts – important cells that produce bone mass. This means that the powerful compound may also help prevent the onset of osteoporosis.
Daidzein may also be potentially beneficial to liver health as it is found to reduce alcohol dependence. An animal study carried out by researchers at the Harvard Medical School’s Center for Biochemical and Biophysical Sciences and Medicine noted that the compound helped suppress the free-choice ethanol intake in animal models.
Body systems supported by daidzein
Daidzein’s cholesterol-lowering properties are particularly beneficial in maintaining a healthy cardiovascular profile. Likewise, the beneficial compound is notably effective in alleviating menopausal symptoms and improving women’s reproductive health. The nutrient’s prostate cancer-fighting properties also effectively support men’s health. Daidzein helps promote bone and liver health as well.
Where to learn more
- Daidzein from soy found to improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels in women
- Soy component linked to heart health benefits (press release)
- Phytic Acid – Anti-nutrient or Beneficial?
- Good news for menopausal women: You can avoid hot flashes by changing your diet
- Heat from pasteurization destroys beneficial nutrients in soy milk
Summary
Daidzein prevents high triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Daidzein helps relieve menopausal symptoms and osteoporosis.
Daidzein keeps prostate cancer and mammary carcinogenesis.
Daidzein is especially beneficial in promoting heart health.
Daidzein supports both male and female reproductive health.
Daidsein maintains healthy liver and bones as well.
Sources include:
Tagged Under: Tags: Daidzein
