Thanks to the isoflavones, sometimes referred to as phytoestrogens, soya has been shown to be very effective for reducing hot flushes in menopausal women. In addition, soya also has a beneficial effect on heart health risk and cholesterol levels – both tend to increase around menopause.

Despite a fear that phytoestrogens may not be helpful for women with an increase in breast cancer risk, the consensus opinion is that phytoestrogens consumed in foods present no risk, in fact there is some evidence that points to soya offering some protection against breast cancer.

In Europe, soya is not a major food. Products like tempeh or tofu are either not so widely available and if they are there is not the variety that you would find in Asia. Added to that, many people who try it find it bland or unpleasant and then never venture there again. If you know how to cook with it then it can be delicious and satisfying.

Minding Me: Reframing Menopause aims to demonstrate the versatility of soya thanks to our resident expert and host. At the retreat, Anita Valero will be showing us the wonders of soya that she discovered after living in Japan for 20 years where she explored and experimented with soya products, learning from a cuisine where tofu is a regular food, cooked in may tasty ways.

The menu will include soya foods and products in unexpected ways. Soya can be used in lots of recipes. Whilst is may help reduce menopausal symptoms and help with long term health post menopause, the benefits on heart health and simply adding more plants to the menu are not confined to menopausal women. They whole family can benefit.

There are still a few places available and the early bird price is only available until the 20th March. In the week of International Women’s Day, it is time to invest in yourself. Relax, connect, learn and eat good food with us.