Soy contains isoflavones which belong to the flavonoid class of polyphenols. Isoflavones have been shown to have particular effects on the hormonal systems of humans and animals because they may be able to interact with the oestrogen receptor. Studies have evaluated the effects of soy rich diets on animals in order to determine if the hormonal effects cause changes in behaviour and mood. In one study rats fed a high phytoestrogen diet composed of soy extracts were shown to have significant changes to their behaviour when they were placed under stressful conditions. These changes included behaviour that could be described as showing a reduction in the degree of anxiety they experienced. It is unclear how these changes are elicited in the rats, but they were present in both male and female rats. As changes to learning and memory were also observed, it is likely that the phytoestrogens are able to directly or indirectly affect the brains of rats. It could be that the phytoestrogens can affect the brain by changing the hormonal milieu as a whole.
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