Genistein is part of the group of compounds called isoflavones, which is in soy and has benefits to the body as a powerful antioxidant and inhibit the growth of cancer cells and even in the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's. This substance can be found mainly in soybeans and their derivatives, but is also present in foods such as beans, chickpeas and peas.
The recommended amount of soy isoflavones, which include genistein, ranges from 30 to 50 mg / day, which can be obtained from the consumption of soybeans and their derivatives or the use of supplements with these compounds, which must be used according to your doctor's advice.
Thus, regular consumption of good amounts of genistein brings the following health benefits:
1. Protect against cancer
Genistein has been shown to have a protective effect mainly against breast, colon and prostate cancers. In women who still menstruate, it works by regulating the excess of the hormone estrogen, which can end up causing changes in the cells and cancer.
2. Reduce the symptoms of menopause
In menopausal women, genistein acts as a estrogen-like compound, which alleviates menopausal symptoms, especially excessive heat, and reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis, which are common after menopause.
3. Reduce cholesterol
Genistein is a potent antioxidant that works by lowering LDL cholesterol levels in the blood, which is bad cholesterol, raising HDL levels, which is good cholesterol. This effect protects blood vessels against the onset of atherosclerosis, which are fat plaques that clog blood vessels and cause problems like heart attack and stroke.
4. Strengthen the immune system
Genistein and other isoflavones are powerful antioxidants, and therefore work by strengthening the immune system and bringing benefits such as preventing cellular changes that lead to cancer, reducing the loss of proteins in the body and regulating the life cycle of cells.
These effects, in addition to preventing diseases, also help prevent premature aging and increased expression marks on the skin.
5. Prevention of diabetes
Genistein acts by stimulating the production of insulin, the hormone responsible for stimulating the reduction of blood glucose, which the blood sugar content. This effect occurs both with the supplementation of the soy protein itself and with the use of tablets with their flavonoids, which must be taken according to medical advice.
Food sources of genistein
The main sources of genistein are soybeans and their derivatives, such as milk, tofu, miso, tempeh and soybean meal, also known as kinako.
The following table shows the amount of isoflavones and genistein in 100 g of soy and its derivatives:
| Food | Isoflavones | Genistein |
| Soya bean grains | 110 mg | 54 mg |
| Degreased flour of soybeans | 191 mg | 57 mg |
| Wholemeal flour | 200 mg | 57 mg |
| Textured Protein of soybeans | 95 mg | 53 mg |
| Soy protein isolate | 124 mg | 62 mg |
However, these concentrations vary according to the variety of the product, the conditions of soybean cultivation and its processing in the industry. See all the benefits of soybeans.
