(Integrative Medicine) - A diet rich in phytoestrogens may help stave off heart disease in postmenopausal women, according to a new study in the Journal of Nutrition. In the years following menopause, estrogen levels diminish and the risk of various health conditions including heart disease increases. New studies suggest that plant-based estrogens (phytoestrogens) may offer some protection against these health risks.

In the current study, researchers investigated the relationship between phytoestrogen consumption and various heart disease risk factors (including body fat distribution, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol levels) among 939 postmenopausal women. The researchers focused primarily on two main groups of phytoestrogens known as isoflavones and lignans. Isoflavones are commonly found in soy foods and lignans are highly concentrated in flaxseed oil.

The researchers found that phytoestrogen consumption was associated with a reduced risk of heart disease. Women who consumed the highest amount of isoflavones and lignans had significantly lower triglyceride (fatty material found in blood) levels than those who consumed the least amount of phytoestrogens. Similarly, those who consumed significant amounts of lignan-rich foods had less weight concentrated around their waists than those who ate little or no lignan-rich food. (Excessive weight around the waist is a risk factor for heart disease.) Phytoestrogen intake was not associated with lowered blood pressure, however.

"In summary, this study on dietary phytoestrogen intake and metabolic cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women indicates that a high phytoestrogen intake is associated with a favorable metabolic cardiovascular risk profile," the researchers conclude.

References

de Kleijn MJJ, van der Schouw YT, Wilson PWF, Grobbee DE, Jacques PF. Dietary intake of phytoestrogens is associated with a favorable metabolic cardiovascular risk profile in postmenopausal U.S. women: the Framingham Study. J Nutr. 2002;132:276-282.