Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

After menopause, osteoporosis, decreased physical activity and weight gain are some of the many concerns that women have to look into. A new study done by researchers from the University of Missouri claims that a diet rich in soy protein could be able to counter all these negative effects of menopause not only on metabolic health, but more importantly the bone health of women. The best thing about the findings for the study is that soy protein could also benefit the bone strength of women who have not yet reached menopause.

“The findings suggest that all women might see improved bone strength by adding some soy-based whole foods, such as tofu and soy milk, to their diet,” said Pamela Hinton, professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at the University of Missouri. “We also believe that soy-based diets can improve metabolic function for postmenopausal women.”

Hinton, along with Victoria Vieira-Potter, who is the co-author and also the associate professor of nutrition and exercise physiology at MU, analysed the effects of soy diets on rats who were bred selectively to have low fitness levels and then compared to effects of corn-based diet.

All the rats were then divided in two groups: those with ovaries and those without ovaries- so that they could demonstrate the effects of menopause. Prior research was also done to prove that the rats served as good models for menopausal women. Effects of a soy diet, corn-based, and soy-free diets on the bone strength and metabolic function were compared.

“Prior research has shown that these rats are good models, as average American women are relatively inactive both before, and especially after, menopause,” explained Vieira-Potter. “As such, understanding how dietary protein sources, such as soy, can impact metabolism and bone health in these rats can help us better understand how such diets might impact women’s health across the lifespan.”

The findings of the experiment showed that the tibia bones of the rats who were fed a soy rich diet were stronger than those of who were fed a corn-based diet. It didn’t matter whether or not these rats had an ovarian hormone status. The research team also found that a soy-based diet also improved metabolic functions of both, the rats with ovaries and without ovaries.

“Bottom line, this study showed that women might improve bone strength by adding some soy-based whole foods to their diet,” Hinton added. “Our findings suggest that women don’t even need to eat as much soy as is found in typical Asian diets, but adding some tofu or other soy, for example foods found in vegetarian diets, could help strengthen bones.”

By Purnima

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