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A new study has found that a soy-based diet can improve bone strength in women.
Scientists from the University of Missouri in Columbia examined the possible health benefits of a soy-based diet on postmenopausal women. Postmenopausal women usually experience lowered bone strength because of their age and reduced physical activity.
For the study, the researchers used rats with low fitness levels to represent an average American woman who has been sedentary before and after menopause. Some rats had their ovaries removed to serve as stand-ins for postmenopausal women. Half of the rats were given a soy-based diet, while the rest had a corn-based diet. The researchers measured the rats’ weight weekly during a 30-week period. Then, they took blood samples and evaluated the rats’ bone strength and body composition.
Findings showed that the leg bones of rats that had a soy-based diet were stronger than the rats that were fed with corn. Improvement in bone strength was observed in rats with and without ovaries. This means that all women, whether pre- or postmenopausal, can reap the rewards of a soy-based diet.
Additionally, the researchers believe that soy-based diets can enhance the metabolism of postmenopausal women.
This study contributes to the body of research about the health benefits of soy-based food.
Previous studies have shown that soy is a good source of protein, which is vital to the development and repair of the body. In addition, diets that contain soy protein were found to reduce bad cholesterol and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Soy-based food products are also rich in fiber, which bolsters the condition of the digestive tract.