Claire Williamson, of the British Nutrition Foundation, said research had suggested phytoestrogens may be beneficial in post-menopausal women in terms of reducing menopausal symptoms, and may also have beneficial effects on risk factors for heart disease and osteoporosis.
A role in breast cancer has also been suggested.
But she said research had suggested that isoflavone supplements are not as effective in managing menopausal symptoms as isoflavone rich foods such as soya.
Furthermore, consumption of isoflavones may need to be life-long in order to have beneficial effects on postmenopausal symptoms.
"So there is clear evidence of the potential health benefits of consuming isoflavone-rich foods such as soya, however consumption in the form of a gum has not been extensively studied and such products may be simply another food gimmick."
Claire Williamson, of the British Nutrition Foundation, said research had > suggested phytoestrogens may be beneficial in post-menopausal women in > terms of reducing menopausal symptoms, and may also have beneficial > effects on risk factors for heart disease and osteoporosis.>
A role in breast cancer has also been suggested.>
But she said research had suggested that isoflavone supplements are not as > effective in managing menopausal symptoms as isoflavone rich foods such as > soya.>
Furthermore, consumption of isoflavones may need to be life-long in order > to have beneficial effects on postmenopausal symptoms.>
"So there is clear evidence of the potential health benefits of consuming > isoflavone-rich foods such as soya, however consumption in the form of a > gum has not been extensively studied and such products may be simply > another food gimmick.">
Claire Williamson, of the British Nutrition Foundation, said research
suggested phytoestrogens may be beneficial in post-menopausal women in> > terms of reducing menopausal symptoms, and may also have beneficial> > effects on risk factors for heart disease and osteoporosis.> >
A role in breast cancer has also been suggested.> >
But she said research had suggested that isoflavone supplements are not
effective in managing menopausal symptoms as isoflavone rich foods such
soya.> >
Furthermore, consumption of isoflavones may need to be life-long in
order> > to have beneficial effects on postmenopausal symptoms.> >
"So there is clear evidence of the potential health benefits of
consuming> > isoflavone-rich foods such as soya, however consumption in the form of a> > gum has not been extensively studied and such products may be simply> > another food gimmick."> >
Claire Williamson, of the British Nutrition Foundation, said research had > suggested phytoestrogens may be beneficial in post-menopausal women in > terms of reducing menopausal symptoms, and may also have beneficial > effects on risk factors for heart disease and osteoporosis.>
A role in breast cancer has also been suggested.>
But she said research had suggested that isoflavone supplements are not as > effective in managing menopausal symptoms as isoflavone rich foods such as > soya.>
Furthermore, consumption of isoflavones may need to be life-long in order > to have beneficial effects on postmenopausal symptoms.>
"So there is clear evidence of the potential health benefits of consuming > isoflavone-rich foods such as soya, however consumption in the form of a > gum has not been extensively studied and such products may be simply > another food gimmick.">
A gimmick? Nah.>
Marilee>
If you think this one's a gimmick, you ought to read about the other items which were marketed at the Tokyo Health Fair.
Quotes: "The double effect of an ageing society and the growing affluence of women in their twenties has created a supplement and health-improvement industry worth about £5 billion a year. One stand at the health fair offered the essence of a foul-smelling Polynesian gourd that supposedly has restorative effects on the hair. Tiny bottles sold for nearly £350.
Another company introduced a range of bar snacks coated with volcanic rock powder that, it was claimed, will cleanse your bowels and go nicely with a pint. There were plenty of variations on that theme, including Café Colon, a canned ice-coffee drink that claims to be the equal of a professionally administered enema.
The star attraction of the show was the Shenpix home oxygen tent, which looks like an inflated sleeping bag and encloses its occupant in an oxygen-rich atmosphere."
"We have a few machines that are very popular, but they are getting a little old and people want something more elaborate. Everyone can afford to be Michael Jackson now."
