Interested in cooling down hot flashes? You’ve probably heard that soy foods do the trick, but many experts say the evidence for them is uncertain. However, in a new study published in the journal Menopause, soy extract came through with flying colors.

Thirty-nine women were given 70-milligram daily doses of Phytosoya, a supplement that contains genistein and daidzein. These are isoflavones, believed to be soy’s main wonder-working ingredients. By week four, the women saw a 38 percent reduction in the frequency of their hot flashes. By week eight, the percentage went down to 51, and by the sixteenth week, a full 61 percent of the women felt their heat spells lift.

Many soy extracts are available, but they contain varying amounts of isoflavones. For maximum benefit, look for one that contains healthy doses of both genistein and daidzein.

—James O’Brien