It is known that high protein intake increases the calcium requirement. However, the association between protein and osteoporotic bone fractures in individuals has not been fully explored. Reduced protein intake has been linked to low femoral neck bone density in elderly hospitalized patients. In these individuals, clinical outcomes following hip fracture were significantly enhanced when protein intake was normalized through nutritional supplementation. The soybean plant, a legume, contains specific phytochemicals known as isoflavones.
Phytochemicals are non-nutritive substances, in that they contain no vitamins or minerals.
Isoflavones are also phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are compounds that have mild estrogenic effects. Chick peas and legumes are good sources of isoflavones. The legume, soy , has the greatest concentration of these chemicals Isoflavones have received a good deal of attention for their possible cancer and heart disease-preventive traits. Because of their estrogen-like properties, many believe that isoflavones and other phytoestrogens may one day play a role in postmenopausal health.