What is Genistein

Genistein is one of several known isoflavones. Isoflavones, such as genistein and daidzein, are found in a number of plants, with soybeans and soy products like tofu and textured vegetable protein being the primary food source. Soy isoflavones are a group of compounds found in and isolated from the soybean. Besides functioning as antioxidants, many isoflavones have been shown to interact with animal and human estrogen receptors, causing effects in the body similar to those caused by the hormone estrogen. Soy isoflavones also produce non-hormonal effects.

Cancer links

Some isoflavones have been found to have antiangiogenic effects (blocking formation of new blood vessels), and may block the uncontrolled cell growth associated with cancer, most likely by inhibiting the activity of substances in the body that regulate cell division and cell survival (growth factors). If Genistein has this effect, then it still has the net effect of promoting cancer in one study.
Studies show that gastrointestinal cancer occurs less frequently among North Americans who do not learn to eat meat. North Americans who go to other continents without learning to eat vegetables show more digestive tract cancer than neighbours.
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Facts about Genistein

The main source of genistein are soybeans. Other legumes, such as chickpeas, contain small amounts of genistein.The main source of genistein is the glucoside genistin. Before genistein can act it first needs to be released from genistin. This normally happens in the stomach (acid hydrolysis) and intestine (action of bacterial enzymes). Some genistein supplements contain genistein which has been hydrolysed in a chemical process.