Compound derived from soy could potentially hinder brain damage associated with dementia
In a groundbreaking study published in Alzheimer's & Dementia, researchers found a significant correlation between equol levels and the health of the brain. Participants with the highest equol levels had 50% fewer white matter lesions than those with the lowest levels, suggesting a potential link between equol and cognitive health.
Equol, a metabolite produced by gut microbiota from daidzein, an isoflavone in soy, is believed to work against dementia by improving arterial stiffness associated with white matter lesions and increasing mitochondrial function later in life. This could potentially keep arteries flexible and energize cell powerhouses, contributing to a lower risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Interestingly, the study also revealed that the prevalence of equol producers varies significantly between populations. Approximately 50–60% of Japanese and other Asian populations are equol producers, compared to roughly 30–36% in American (Western) populations. This difference is attributed partly to genetic and dietary adaptations in Asian populations due to the long history of soy consumption, which contrasts with Western populations that have only more recently incorporated soy into their diets.
The study further revealed that the ability to produce equol from soy isoflavones is more common in Japanese (and broadly Asian) populations than in American populations. For instance, one study found that 59% of vegetarians (similar to Japanese adults consuming soy) were equol producers, whereas a study comparing Korean American and non-Hispanic white American women found 51% prevalence in Korean Americans versus 36% in white Americans.
While the benefits of a soy-rich diet are increasingly being recognised, the question remains whether equol supplements can deliver the same neuroprotective effects. Soy isoflavone supplements are available, but more studies are needed to determine if equol supplements can replicate the benefits observed in those who consume soy naturally.
If you're looking to increase your soy intake, consider incorporating soy-based proteins, soy nuts, flavored tofu, soynut butter, and soy milk into your diet. These simple changes could potentially contribute to a healthier brain and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
- Science has unveiled a potential link between the gut microbiota metabolite, equol, and cognitive health, with higher equol levels being associated with fewer white matter lesions in the brain.
- Equol, derived from daidzein, an isoflavone in soy, could work against dementia by enhancing arterial flexibility and increasing mitochondrial function in later life.
- The study showed that equol producers vary significantly between populations, with a higher prevalence in Asian populations due to their long history of soy consumption.
- Approximately 50-60% of Japanese and other Asian populations are equol producers, contrasting with roughly 30-36% in American (Western) populations.
- The ability to produce equol from soy isoflavones is more common in Japanese (and broadly Asian) populations than in American populations.
- While the benefits of a soy-rich diet are increasingly recognized, the effectiveness of equol supplements in delivering neuroprotective effects is yet to be definitively determined.
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