[Soy's phytoestrogens and their implication for human health]

Abstract

The way of nutrition and particular components of the diet have substantial influence on the development of many diseases. It has been proven by large epidemiological studies dealing with the incidence of cardiovascular diseases and tumours. What is more, the diet may have also an important role in the secondary prevention of myocardial infarction. The role of a soy as a component of the diet with potentially favorable action on human health was discussed in this paper. Special attention was paid to mechanisms of action of soy phytoestrogens and their influence on development of ischaemic heart disease, tumours, osteoporosis and other symptoms related to menopause.