Benefits of Red Clover

By Kalynn Amadio

A symbol of luck for generations, the four leaf clover is hunted by children as a keepsake. The rare four leaf version is found only once in every 10,000 clovers. But in every red blossom of the clover plan is a compound that contains a form of estrogen. These compounds are known as isoflavones and are the reason red clover as an herb is used in herbal medicine.

Cancer

Researchers have begun to study isoflavones from red clover, and there is preliminary evidence that they may prevent the growth of cancer cells or kill cancer cells in test tubes. However, given the herb's estrogen-like effects, it might also contribute to the growth of some cancers, just as human estrogen does.

Women may run the risk of developing estrogen hungry cancers like uterine cancer in the lining of the female uterus, if red clover is consumed over a long term. This is because estrogen-like compounds found naturally in red clover, also called phytoestrogens, can act like human estrogen in the body. On the other hand, preliminary research also tells us that people who maintain a plant-based diet including phytoestrogens have a reduced rate of cancer. Scientists believe this could be due to the phytoestrogen locking on to certain human cells thus preventing the natural human estrogens from doing damage to those at risk.

Medications containing hormones or derivations of hormones could be adversely affected by consuming red clover herbal supplements. And of course, red clover would affect the natural hormonal balance of the body.

Research is not clear on the consumption of red clover phytoestrogens by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Nor is it certain if women with beast cancer or other hormone based cancers should make use of red clover supplements or teas. In the area of prostate health, studies are under way in treating prostate enlargement and cancer.

Women who are in early stages or peri-menopausal may find comfort from the use of red clover as will women battling adverse symptoms of the menstrual cycle like breast pain. It is also used for the symptoms of prostate enlargement, high cholesterol and osteoporosis. The red blossoms of the clover are processed into extracts formed into capsules and tablets, teas and liquid.

The Menopause-Osteoporosis-Isoflavone Connection

Symptoms of menopause like hot flashes have been helped by use of isoflavones. This compound has also shown promise in osteoporosis and cardiovascular health as related to menopause.

While red clover has yet to prove advantageous for fighting osteoporosis, it has shown promise in delaying osteoporosis in women who haven't begun menopause. Menopause is a large factor in the development of osteoporosis or bone loss, in women.

Red clover is a source of many valuable nutrients including calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is available in a variety of preparations, including teas, tinctures, tablets, capsules, liquid extract, and extracts standardized to specific isoflavone contents. Also called cow clover, bee-bread, and purple clover, red clover can be included as part of an alternative treatment of early cervical dysplasia.

About the Author:

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