At present, there are 12 isoflavones in soybeans, which are divided into free aglycones and bound aglycones, and aglycones account for 2% ~ 3% of the total, including genistein, daidzein and daidzein. Glycosides account for 97% ~ 98% of the total, mainly in the form of genistein and daidzein, and genistein and daidzein, accounting for about 95% of the total.
Physiological functions of soybean isoflavones;
(1) anticancer function
The anti-acidification ability of isoflavones is manifested in inhibiting the activity of active enzymes (such as tyrosine protein kinase), which can control the development of many cancers (breast cancer, intestinal cancer, uterine cancer, prostate cancer, etc.).
(2) Effects of phytoestrogens and antiestrogens
Soybean isoflavones are called phytoestrogens because of their estrogen-like structures. Soybean isoflavones can relieve women's menopausal syndrome.
(3) Prevention of osteoporosis
Soybean isoflavone can improve women's menopausal disorder and osteoporosis. Taking soybean isoflavone products can increase hormone secretion, and the symptoms can gradually disappear.
(4) Prevention of cardiovascular diseases
Soybean isoflavone has anti-acidification ability, can enhance myocardial contractility, increase coronary blood flow, and has a good preventive effect on the harm of heart disease. Isoflavone can reduce cholesterol and fat content in the body, and can affect fat metabolism, prevent hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
(5) Other functions
In addition to the above functions, soybean isoflavones also have antioxidant effects. Isoflavones have antifungal activity, thus inhibiting fungal activity. Recently, Japan is studying that soybean isoflavones can regulate estrogen, improve women's skin, beautify and prevent and treat diabetes and its complications, kidney and liver diseases, periodontitis and so on.