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Dianne Scheinberg, MS, RD, LDN Responds:
Dianne Scheinberg MS, RD, LDN, owner of a nutrition counseling and consulting firm in Newton, Massachusetts, responds: During menopause estrogen levels drop and trigger body changes—one of which is dilation of blood vessels that create sudden heat or "hot flashes."
Soy comes up in discussions about menopause because it contains isoflavones that act like weak estrogens in the body. Some studies suggest that soy isoflavones may help lessen hot flashes, but the research is controversial and still emerging. There is, however, a great deal of science supporting the role of soy isoflavones and the protection they provide against heart disease. Soy stimulates estrogen receptors in the liver by increasing production of HDL (good) cholesterol that extracts LDL (bad) cholesterol from blood vessels. High levels of HDLs are good for heart health.
The American Heart Association and American Dietetic Association recommend eating whole soy foods not taking soy supplements. FDA has found that 25 grams (g) of soy protein per day is needed for soy's heart-health benefit. FDA regulations also provide that foods containing 6.25 g soy protein per serving may bear a claim that soy foods help reduce heart disease risk. By eating soy foods instead of animal protein—especially red meats—you also benefit your heart by reducing total fat and saturated fat (which raise LDL cholesterol) in the diet.
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Dianne Scheinberg
MS, RD, LDN
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