During menopause, women’s bodies experience an imbalance due to a significant decline in female sex hormones. Certain foods can help compensate for this hormone loss, such as cabbage, garlic… and especially soybeans.
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| Soybeans contain a high amount of Phytoestrogen (Image: VNN) |
Estrogen is the primary female sex hormone, mainly secreted by the cyclical activity of the ovaries. It promotes breast development during puberty and enhances female body features: fuller breasts, developed hips, and smooth skin. As women reach menopause, estrogen secretion decreases, leading to thinning vaginal mucosa, reduced lubrication, and painful intercourse, alongside decreased sexual interest. Additionally, as estrogen has a protective effect against osteoporosis, menopause can lead to an increased risk of this condition.
Studies show that the most common symptom of menopause is hot flashes, affecting over 75% of menopausal women.
Hormone replacement therapy is one approach to mitigate the negative effects of aging, but it has many contraindications. Therefore, a safer alternative has been sought, which involves using natural substances resembling estrogen, particularly plant-based foods known as phytoestrogens, which have similar properties to human estrogen but are much milder. These can help alleviate menopause symptoms.
Phytoestrogens are found in plant-based foods such as cabbage, garlic, oats, peanuts, sesame… with the highest concentration in soybeans. Women who regularly consume soy products (such as soy milk, tofu, and fermented tofu) experience fewer discomforts associated with menopause, and if they do, the symptoms are much milder. Soy helps reduce uncomfortable menopause symptoms and combat osteoporosis, while also aiding in diabetes prevention, reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, and cancer prevention.
Many European and American scientists have observed that in Asia, women who consume many soy products experience fewer abnormal nervous and circulatory symptoms during menopause. Additionally, due to higher soy consumption, Asian women have lower rates of breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, and obesity compared to women in Europe and America.
Incorporate more soy products into your diet. If possible, consider sprouting soybeans like green bean sprouts. The sprouts will be larger and thicker, providing even greater health benefits.
Moreover, the mineral Boron (Latin name: Borum) also influences the body’s natural estrogen levels. Some studies suggest that women who consume boron-rich foods (ripe fruits, vegetables, soybeans, and peanuts…) may increase their natural estrogen levels.
Dr. Vu Huong Van, Health & Life
