May reduce menopausal symptoms

Menopause is the period in a woman's life when menstruation ceases. This normal process is frequently coupled with uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sweating. Soybeans and isoflavones have been shown in studies to lessen these symptoms during menopause. Isoflavones and soy products, however, do not impact all women in the same manner. According to a study, women must have the correct sorts of gut bacteria to reap these benefits.

Certain bacteria may transform isoflavones into equol, a chemical thought to be responsible for many of soybeans' health advantages. People who have these specific types of gut bacteria are known as "equol producers". Equol producers are far more abundant in Asian people than in Western societies. This might explain why Asian women are less likely to develop menopausal symptoms than those in Western nations. The Asian diet's heavy intake of soybeans and soy derivatives might play an influence.