Adult Women's Health
Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of every woman’s adult life, characterised by hormonal changes and the permanent cessation of menstruation. Some women may experience certain symptoms during this stage of life, and there are a number of actions that may assist in achieving a smoother transition. We recommend that you discuss these with your doctor.
Women may choose natural alternatives to help relieve symptoms of menopause. One such example is phytoestrogens or plant oestrogens, which have a similar structure to human oestrogen but with a weaker effect, and can therefore mimic how oestrogen functions in certain roles in the body.
Isoflavones are a sub-category of phytoestrogens, which have antioxidant properties. Isoflavones are found naturally in plant foods such as cereals and pulses (legumes), particularly soy beans.
There is some evidence to suggest that isoflavones may assist with this ‘change of life’ period. Isoflavones are also believed to have benefits for the heart and bones. However, further research will help further understand the full potential benefits of isoflavones.
Vitasoy has a product specially formulated with adult women in mind, using Australian grown non-GM organic whole soy bean that have been selected for their high level of naturally occurring isoflavones. One 250mL glass of Vitasoy Vitality provides 32.5mg of isoflavones. Vitasoy Vitality is also calcium enriched which is important for your bones, and is 98% fat free.
Having a balanced diet and exercising regularly can help with physical health and feelings of wellbeing during this change of life. For any specific dietary questions, please consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.
Why is Women's Health Important after Menopause?
Hormonal changes that occur during menopause may affect women post-menopause, and may increase the risk of other health concerns related to heart and bone health. Recent research recognises this and promotes a lifestyle that includes a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise for women post-menopause - of particular importance are adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D each day.
Women's Heart Health
After menopause, a woman's risk of heart problems can increase. The good news is that a healthy, balanced diet and lifestyle can help reduce the risk.
Tips to help manage heart health include reducing the intake of saturated fats by using lean cuts of meat and reduced or low fat dairy products, and avoiding excess snack foods such as cakes and biscuits. Increasing your intake of whole grain foods, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and oily fish, as well as physical activity can also help protect the heart.
All Vitasoy soymilk is 100% cholesterol free, and Vitasoy Vitality has less than 2% fat – good news for heart health.
Women's Bone Health
After menopause a low fat diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D is particularly important as bones lose calcium at a faster rate than prior to menopause. From this time onwards (or at around 50 years of age), women should aim to have 1300mg of calcium each day, achieved through calcium rich foods such as calcium-fortified soy products, dairy foods, nuts, fish with bones, or a calcium supplement.
In fact, there is some research to suggest that isoflavones such as those found in soy may actually have a beneficial effect on bone health in postmenopausal women. However, further research will help further understand the full potential benefits of isoflavones.
Vitasoy Vitality provides 300mg of calcium per 250mL serve, or over a third (37%) of an adult’s daily calcium requirements. Regular physical activity is also important for bone health, particularly weight-bearing, muscle building and balance exercises, such as walking, yoga, dancing or lifting weights.
Summary
Diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in women's health both during and after menopause. With support and targeted strategies to assist, menopause can be a positive time in a woman's life.
Exciting research indicates that including soy foods that contain isoflavones may be beneficial for women's health during menopausal years.
This information is to be used as a guide only. For any specific dietary questions, please consult your General Practitioner or an Accredited Practising Dietitian.