There is little dispute that fibre is an important component of the diet. However, its importance may be due to the phytoestrogens that some forms of fibre contain, rather than to the roughage that it provides. This theory was proposed by Professor Herman Adlercreutz from the University of Helsinki, Finland, during the 8th International Congress on the Menopause [Sydney, Australia; November 1996]. Professor Adlercreutz is an acknowledged international expert on the physiological role of phytoestrogens. In his presentation, he discussed the protective effects of these compounds against cancer, cardiovascular disease and certain symptoms of menopause.