Natural Choices — Health Food, Organic Produce, Gluten Free, Vitamins, Supplements — Columbus, Bartholomew County, Indiana

Some soy-based compounds have a molecular structure which almost mirrors the molecular structure of the estrogen molecule. This is controversial when it comes to certain cancers and other problems caused by hormonal imbalance.

Isoflavones from soy are antioxidant polyphenols, which are based in plant compounds. They are considered to be “dietary estrogen” since they are similar in molecular structure to the female sex hormone, estradiol. The way in which soy isoflavones mimic estrogenic molecules has led doctors and scientists to classify them as “weak estrogen” molecules.  THIS IS NOT TRUE!

The influence of estrogen is exerted upon cells directly through estrogen receptors. The only known receptor, ER-Alpha ( estrogen receptor alpha), has been implicated in various forms of cancer ranging from breast cancer to colon cancer. In the late 1990s, discovery found another receptor known as ER-beta. It has been shown in tests to actually counteract the effects which are caused by ER-Alpha. One of the most abundant isoflavones, genistein, has been found to be a potent activator of ER-Beta.

The actions of isoflavones upon estrogen receptors is criticized because without realizing the effects of the different estrogen receptors.  Contact Carolyn, the owner of Natural Choices for further information.