During the decade leading up to menopause, the body produces less estrogen. But the body still needs estrogen which promotes heart health, preserves bone strength and stabilizes mood swings. Many women rely on supplementation or turn to soy-based foods because soy is rich in isoflavones, which are recognized as functioning in the body in a manner similar to estrogen.
The plant-derived compound genistein, which is the principal isoflavone found in soy beans and soy foods, has been shown to reduce menopausal symptoms, including the number and duration of hot flashes in menopausal and post-menopausal women. Research also suggests that genistein plays a unique and important role in bone health. As estrogen levels decline and bone mineral density decreases in menopausal and post-menopausal women, genistein exerts estrogen-like regulation of bone metabolism and assists in the bone remodeling process.
When formulating female-only dairy products, calorie content must always be considered and should typically stay as low as possible. Women also tend to prefer indulgent flavors that satisfy their sweet tooth without fear of expanding their waistline.
Men have their needs
Body builders being the exception, adult males have historically been ignored when it comes to foods designed for their specific nutritional needs. But the popularity of Greek yogurt among this demographic has shown formulators that there is real interest by men for foods that speak to them.
Greek yogurt is all about more protein in basic, non-“frou-frou” flavors. Men want neither their masculinity challenged, nor their independence threatened. Nutritional messages must be subtle, which is exactly what transpired with Greek yogurt.
For men it’s all about vim, vigor and vitality. There are a number of nutrients associated with male-specific benefits. For example, lycopene is a carotenoid associated with prostate health. Vitamin D, in addition to its role in bone health, has been shown to have receptors in male sex organs. Further, vitamin D has been shown to have a positive impact on testosterone levels. And coenzyme Q10 may play a role in maintaining healthy sperm. Imagine a Greek yogurt enhanced with all these extras.
Healthy aging
When the body ages, aches, pains, wrinkles and brown spots all increase. Further, there is a reduction in lean body mass. The metabolic rate decreases as does physical activity, contributing to an overall reduction in energy needs. Protein intake is an important determinant of optimal function and sarcopenia prevention. Sarcopenia is degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength associated with aging.
Whey proteins have been shown to provide an anabolic advantage over other proteins in promoting muscle. This is believed to be due to the high level of leucine in whey ingredients. It has been shown that of the nine essential amino acids, leucine is the igniter of protein synthesis in the body. Since muscle tissue is metabolically active, while adipose tissue is an energy store, those who replace muscle mass with fat burn fewer calories, which results in weight gain. Thus, sufficient protein intake is key to staying fit as one ages.
