DAIDZEIN FROM SOY LINKED TO HEART HEALTH.

A new study, published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, reports that high blood levels of daidzein were associated with favorable lipoprotein profiles. A group of 483 women, average age 58 years, and 79% post-menopausal were chosen for this study. All the volunteers had at least one coronary risk factor. Blood samples were taken and levels of the soy isoflavones daidzein and genistein were measured. Women with the highest blood daidzein levels had 17% lower triglyceride levels and 5% higher HDL cholesterol levels. Researchers found that the link between daidzein blood levels and lipid profiles was stronger in women with low estrogen levels. This study sheds new light on post-menopausal women and heart health. (Food Navigator USA, 06/23/06)