Recent research from George Washington University Hospital suggests that menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes, can be significantly alleviated by adopting a specific diet. The study found that incorporating soybeans into a low-fat, vegan diet can reduce hot flushes by up to 88%.
Over a 12-week period, participants in the study lost an average of 8 lbs while following the diet, which included consuming 86 grams of cooked soybeans daily. This approach led to a substantial drop in the frequency and severity of moderate to severe hot flushes among the women.
The findings, published in the medical journal Menopause, revealed that the diet’s impact was comparable to hormone replacement therapy. Lead researcher Professor Neal Barnard noted the remarkable efficacy of the diet, stating, “The diet was more powerful than we had predicted, equalling the effects of hormone replacement therapy. Hot flushes are rare in countries such as Japan where soybeans are eaten regularly.”
The diet prescribed in the study emphasized the avoidance of oily foods, including nuts, avocados, and vegetable oils. Dr. Barnard highlighted the importance of the combined dietary elements, explaining that while soybeans or a vegan diet alone do not significantly reduce hot flushes, the combination with a low-fat diet results in dramatic improvements. “All three pieces seem to be important,” he said.
Soybeans contain isoflavones, which are associated with a reduced risk of breast cancer, and are also low in fat and high in fiber. This research offers a promising natural alternative for managing menopausal symptoms and improving overall health through dietary adjustments.
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