Another important plant is flaxseed, which is rich in lignans, a type of phytoestrogens. Lignans are believed to have antioxidant properties and to reduce the rate of bone loss. Flaxseed is also rich in alpha-linolenic acid that reduces the rate of bone resorption by inhibiting biosynthesis of prostaglandins.

Dried plums or prunes and other food sources of phenolic compounds and flavonoids may also prevent bone loss. This is because these phytochemicals have antioxidant properties and can protect the bone by scavenging free radicals. Dried plums are also rich sources of selenium and boron minerals, which modulate bone metabolism and preserve bone mineral density. Unpublished findings from a study carried out to asses the effect of plum supplementation in postmenopausal women not on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), indicated that dried plums have the ability to increase bone formation in postmenopausal women and decreases the risk for osteoporotic fractures.

In conclusion soy has a modest effect on bone health. However, it is still premature to state whether it is soy protein or its isoflavones that prevent bone loss in ovarian hormone deficiency. Researchers are findings this as an important basis for further research on establishing the role of soy in health bones and its efficacy as a safe alternative treatment and prevention for bone loss in postmenopausal women, since soy is cheap and can easily be incorporated into the daily diet or provided as a concentrate for supplementation.