One striking difference between Eastern and Western diets is that soyfoods are a primary protein source in many Asian countries. This observation has resulted in an increasing focus on the possible health benefits of soy. In addition, a lot of research currently is being done on the disease-fighting properties of isoflavones phytochemicals found almost exclusively in soy. Osteoporosis is a very serious disease in which bones become brittle and can break easily. As a major cause of disability in older people, especially women the fastest growing segment of the population osteoporosis has been recognized as an important public health problem.
Bone is connective tissue that becomes hard when minerals, primarily calcium, are deposited in it.
Although bone doesn't look very active, it is constantly being built up and broken down. Bones become weak when the amount being broken down exceeds the amount being rebuilt. Some factors that influence bone strength are calcium intake, the presence of the hormone estrogen, which protects bone from losing too much calcium, and exercise. The most common form of osteoporosis occurs in women after menopause. Bone quickly begins to lose calcium and to break down in response to the drastic reduction in estrogen.