Isoflavones and thyroid...
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| Tue, 12-21-2004 - 3:47pm |
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Whenever research shows that a particular nutrient might provide health benefits, many of us decide to skip the foods that are rich in that nutrient and head straight to the supplement aisle. However, choosing supplements can backfire. People have been eating foods containing soy for centuries, and diets that contain soy foods have been linked to reduced incidence of heart disease and cancer. As information on the health benefits of soy generated headlines, some of us started experimenting with tofu and soymilk while others tried isoflavone supplements. Isoflavones are the phytoestrogens in soy that are thought to provide health benefits, but it is unclear that choosing isolated isoflavones provides the same benefits as whole soy foods. In fact, some research has suggested that 40 mg or more of isoflavones per day may be harmful. For example, such high consumption has been linked to reduced thyroid hormone production. Because the effects of isoflavones on estrogen production are unclear, women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid these supplements. In general, you will get the most benefits—and the fewest risks—if you choose soy foods over supplements. From: tips@dietwatch.com
