Red Clover
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Red Clover

Red clover is from the legume family. It contains isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens, a compound similar to the female hormone estrogen.

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Red clover has been used for a variety of conditions, including asthma, whooping cough, cancer and gout. Today, it is used for menopausal symptoms, high cholesterol and osteoporosis.

› Health Benefits

There have been several studies of red clover in people, but results are not clear that it provides beneficial health effects.

› How much do I need?

The dosage varies depending on age and what it is being used for. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels, and consult your pharmacist, physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Because red clover contains estrogen-like compounds, there is a possibility that long-term use would increase the risk of women developing breast cancer or cancer of the endometrium. However, short-term studies have not shown harmful changes in the uterine lining.

› Dietary supplements

Tops of the red clover plant are used to prepare extracts in the form of tablets, capsules, teas and liquid forms.


Source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health

Please consult your health care provider before making changes to your vitamin/supplement regimen.

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