With isoflavones, calcium and soy protein, So Good is a natural choice for women’s health.

 

So Good for our bones

As women age, calcium requirements increase. For example, an adult male and female require 1000mg of calcium each day, however, from the age of 51, it is recommended that women achieve an intake of 1300mg each day.

This is because the body’s calcium balance declines at menopause, accelerating bone loss. At menopause we are less able to absorb calcium, and the amount of calcium we loose through urine can also increase. To help keep our bones strong as we age, it is essential we get enough calcium.

There is more to strong bones than calcium. Read more about the recipe for healthy bones, including the importance of vitamin D, the role of soy in maintaining our bones and sources of dietary calcium.

 

So Good for our heart

Health Authorities around the world advise people to include soy protein rich foods to help protect their hearts. That means So Good, with soy protein and naturally occurring protective antioxidants is a great choice for women’s health.

Read more about soy and heart health.

 

Menopause

Menopause is natural and a normal part of a woman’s life. It is a time of physiological change. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 years.

Menopause signals the time when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and the two hormones, oestrogen and progesterone are reduced. For many women, menopause causes some noticeable symptoms.

 

Soy foods and the power of isoflavones

Soybeans are naturally high in protective plant substances called isoflavones which belong to the phytoestrogen family. Other phytoestrogens include lignans (found in flaxseed or linseed), and flavonols (found naturally in red and yellow fruits and vegetables).

The soy protein in So Good is high in naturally occurring isoflavones.

Soy foods naturally high in isoflavones may be useful for women looking to relieve hot flushes

The amazing difference between Asian and Western women when it comes to their experience of hot flushes led to research that has shown that soy foods naturally high in isoflavones may be useful for women looking to relieve them.

Women in Asian countries – who typically consume a diet much higher in soy foods and isoflavones than women living in Western countries – are significantly less likely to experience hot flushes, one of the most common symptoms of menopause. While research is still ongoing, this initial finding led to the hypothesis that soy foods containing isoflavones may be useful in the management of hot flushes in post-menopausal women.

 

Healthy eating for pregnancy

Following a healthy, nutritious and balanced diet during pregnancy is important for mother and baby. During pregnancy you need extra energy (kilojoules), protein, iron, vitamin A and C, B group vitamins including folate and zinc. All are essential for your health as well as your baby’s normal growth and development.

 

Healthy weight gain during pregnancy

The amount of weight to gain during pregnancy varies from person to person. Discuss your own individual optimal weight gain with your dietitian or health professional. Weight loss or dieting is not recommended, healthy eating is the ideal.

 

Increasing your energy intake – making every mouthful count

Choosing a variety of quality nutritious foods is more important than overall quantity to ensure that all energy and nutritional needs are met. As well as three meals a day, try to include nutritious snacks such as fruit, soymilk, yoghurt or low fat cheese and tomato on wholegrain crackers, wholegrain toast spread with avocado, fruit smoothies, wholemeal English muffin with peanut butter, baked beans, etc.

 

Essential nutrients in pregnancy

 

Protein

During the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, protein requirements increase by over 20%. This increase is necessary for the growth and development of your baby. Pregnant women should aim to include protein sources at each meal such as nuts, seeds, soy products and other legumes, lean meat, poultry, fish or meat alternatives.

Soy protein contains all the amino acids in the right proportions which make it a high quality protein without the saturated fat or cholesterol.

 

Folate

Folate is a B vitamin that is needed for healthy growth and development before and during pregnancy. Its requirements are increased during pregnancy for normal growth of the unborn baby.

Including plenty of wholegrain breads and cereals, legumes, fruits and vegetables (particularly green leafy vegetables) and fortified foods are a great way to help meet your folate needs. In addition to a healthy diet, you may like to talk to your doctor about a folate supplement.

So Good Essential soymilk is fortified with folate and each 250ml serve provides 22% of the recommended intake for women of childbearing age.

 

Iron

Iron requirements increase significantly during pregnancy, particularly in the 2nd and 3rd trimesters when blood volume increases. It is important to eat plenty of foods rich in iron, including green leafy vegetables, wholegrain and fortified cereals, nuts, legumes, lean meat, poultry, fish or foods fortified with iron can help to meet increased needs. Eating foods rich in vitamin C (like tomatoes, kiwi fruit, strawberries, capsicum and oranges) at the same time as plant foods will increase the availability of iron from these foods.

So Good Essential soymilk is fortified with iron and each 250ml serve provides 18% of the recommended dietary intake. For an easy way to maximise your iron intake at breakfast, enjoy So Good Essential on your cereal with some fruit or a small glass of fresh orange juice to increase absorption.

 

Calcium

Calcium is an essential mineral in the diet throughout life. Calcium is especially needed during pregnancy for the formation of baby’s bones and teeth, normal clotting of blood and functioning of nerves and muscles. It is important to eat some calcium rich foods every day, such as; milk, yoghurt and cheese or non-dairy equivalents which have been fortified with calcium. Tofu, almonds and broccoli are also sources of calcium.

So Good Essential soy milk contains 47% of the recommended dietary intake for calcium in each 250ml serve.

 

Other Vitamins and Minerals

The need for other vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin) B2 (Niacin) and B12, Vitamin C, magnesium, iodine and zinc are also increased during pregnancy. Enjoying a healthy diet high in wholegrain breads and cereal, fruits, vegetables, legumes, lean meat or meat alternatives and dairy products or dairy alternatives can help you to meet these additional requirements.

 

Food Safety During Pregnancy

 

Listeria

It’s important to prepare, store and handle food hygienically, as well as avoiding particular foods to reduce exposure to bacteria that is harmful to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor for more information or visit the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand website (www.foodstandards.gov.au) for more details.

 

Mercury

Food Standards Australia New Zealand advises pregnant women and women planning pregnancy, to eat a variety of fish as part of a healthy diet. However, it’s important to be careful about certain types of fish. Again visit the Food Standards Australia and New Zealand website (www.foodstandards.gov.au) or talk to your doctor for more information.

Ask a nutritionist - if you have a question about health and nutrition, or food and recipes we are happy to help you with credible and practical advice. You can post a question on our website, email or give us a call. It’s free and we’d love to hear from you. Free call 1800 673 392 or nutrition@sanitarium.com.au 

 

The above nutrition information is of a general nature and does not substitute for individual or specific advice as recommended to you by your Health Practitioner.

References

 

We'd love to hear from you. For free recipes, more information about our products or services, or to speak to one of our nutritionists, please contact our Customer Relations Team.