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Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Isoflavones - Phytoestrogens
Functions and Sources
What food source is the nutrient found in?
Soy is found in numerous foods. Soyfoods include:
How does the nutrient affect the body?
Research is uncovering more and more about the health benefits of eating soyfoods. Soy isoflavones may decrease the risk for heart disease. They may reduce the risk of breast cancer, cancer of the uterus, prostate cancer, and colon cancer. They seem to help prevent osteoporosis, or bone thinning. They also help control diabetes, and ease the symptoms of menopause.
During menopause, women have fluctuations in estrogen levels. These hormonal changes may increase the risk of heart disease and osteoporosis. These changes also cause hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and headaches. The ability of plant estrogens to reduce these symptoms is now being studied.