Tag: S equol

Only about 30–50% of the population possesses the gut bacteria needed to convert daidzein, a soy isoflavone, into the more potent metabolite S-equol. This conversion is crucial to determine if S-equol is better than isoflavones for various health benefits, particularly for managing menopausal symptoms and supporting bone and cardiovascular health.

Epidemiological studies indicate that higher isoflavone intake in Asian populations is linked to lower rates of certain diseases, but not all isoflavones are created equal. Understanding what is the strongest isoflavones involves looking beyond the food source to a specific, potent metabolite called S-equol.

Over 91% of sampled commercial stinky tofu dishes contain the health-benefiting isoflavone S-equol, a potent antioxidant not found in most other soy products. Stinky tofu, a Chinese fermented delicacy known for its pungent aroma, offers a complex nutritional profile that goes beyond standard tofu due to its fermentation process. This article delves into the specifics of what makes stinky tofu a surprisingly nutritious and potentially beneficial food choice.