According to a new study published in Nutrients, researchers demonstrated that genistein improves cardiovascular function in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome.
Previous research has demonstrated genistein’s benefits for improving bone mineral density, however, there is limited human data on its cardiovascular effects.
In this study, researchers investigated the effects of genistein on cardiac function in postmenopausal women with metabolic syndrome. This study consisted of 22 patients that were given 54 mg of genistein supplementation daily for one year or placebo in combination with a Mediterranean diet and exercise.
After one year of supplementation, HOMA-IR, Visfatin, and homocysteine decreased significantly in the genistein group. Visfatin is an adipocyte hormone related to cardiovascular disease which mediates vascular inflammation and pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, both left ventricular ejection fraction and left atrium remodeling were significantly improved.
The improvement in left atrium size and systolic volume index is interesting as patients with metabolic syndrome and hypertension has an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and heart failure and these results demonstrate genistein’s cardioprotective role which may reduce this potential dysfunction.
In addition, Genistein is unique botanical that rebalances the metabolic processes of bone remodeling towards bone formation and reduces the frequency and severity of hot flashes.
Combining genistein with adequate vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin K2 provide the optimal support for increasing bone mineral density, reducing hot flashes, and providing a cardioprotective effect.
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