Isoflavone Sources

Soybeans are the best source of isoflavones

Of all isoflavone sources, soybeans have the highest content of genistein, the isoflavone that has the most noted ability to reduce the frequency and severity of hot flashes.

Most people get the main portion of their isoflavones from soy, and that is where they are found in the most abundance.

But you can also find them in red clover, kudzu, mung beans, alfalfa sprouts, black cohosh, chickpeas, and other plant foods. Which isoflavone source is best for easing the transition through menopause?

While there are many clinical studies on soy isoflavones and various human health conditions, relatively few clinical studies have been performed on red clover or kudzu and those same human health conditions. Many of the studies on red clover have been paid for by the manufacturers, and the results have not always been excellent.

The predominant isoflavone forms in red clover are biochanin-A and formononetin. In kudzu, the predominant isoflavone forms are daidzein and puerarin.

Soy isoflavones like Novasoy®, which are made from virtually the whole soybean, have higher genistein contents, just like the soybean itself. Genistein makes up approximately 50% of the isoflavones in soy, compared to less than 1% genistein in red clover and just 6% genistein in kudzu, for example.

That makes soy isoflavones like Novasoy the obvious choice for relief from menopause symptoms.