What's an Isoflavone? Soy Terminology Demystified

Phytochemicals
Phytochemicals are chemicals found naturally in plants that are believed to offer various health benefits.

Phytoestrogens
Phytoestrogens are a type of phytochemical that have a similar structure to the hormone oestrogen. Two major types of phytoestrogens are isoflavones and lignans. Phytoestrogens occur richly in legumes, particularly soy beans, linseeds, and in lower but significant quantities in wholegrain cereals, other seeds and nuts and many fruits and vegetables.

Isoflavones
Isoflavones (a type of phytoestrogen) are important compounds found in soy beans and most soy protein rich foods. Soy is naturally rich in isoflavones, and in combination with soy protein, these phytochemicals are thought to play a critical role in the health benefits associated with consuming soy.