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Soy foods are well known for reducing the risk of heart disease, cancer, and
osteoporosis. Soy foods have no cholesterol and since they are also without
lactose, soy foods and beverages is an ideal source of protein for more than
half the world population suffering from lactose intolerance.
Dr. Mark Messina and his associates in their book The Simple Soybean and
Your Health (Avery Publishing, New York, 1994) looks at the many amazing
nutritional advantages provided by soy foods, highlighting the latest
studies that have found soy foods helpful in preventing many forms of
cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis, and in controlling diabetes.
Foods and beverages derived from soybeans have neither cholesterol nor
lactose, and are rich in high quality protein and minerals. They are ideal
foods for those concerned about their present or future health.
Soybeans are abundant in many different types of phytochemicals, some of
which are unique to Soya, including::
Isoflavones - Compounds that are similar to
natural estrogen but with one important difference, that they may help
prevent hormone-dependent cancers.
Genistein - A compound that may stop the
spread of some forms of cancer at its earliest stages, and may even help
to prevent heart disease.
Protease Inhibitors - Described as a “universal anti-carcinogen”, these
compounds may block the action of cancer-causing enzymes.
Phytic Acids - These compounds have been
shown to inhibit the growth of tumors in laboratory animals.
The nutraceutical nature of soyfoods was discussed by 350 delegates from
around the world in The Second International Symposium on the Role of Soya
in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease, was held in Brussels, Belgium.
Major topics discussed included:
Heart Disease
The fact that the consumption of soya protein can lower blood cholesterol
levels has been a subject of significant research over the past 30 years.
In a research paper published in the prestigious The New England Journal
of Medicine 333:5 p276(1995), Anderson et al confirmed that soya protein
consumption significantly decreases serum cholesterol concentration and
low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol along with the serum
triglycerides, without reducing the high density lipoprotein (HDL) which
is protective against heart disease. Many researchers reported at the
conference that in fact soya protein intake actually increases the good
cholesterol. Nilausen and Meinertz (University of Copenhagen, School of
Medicine) found that 5 out of 9 subjects who were fed soya protein
experienced a 21% decrease in LDL cholesterol, but also an increase of 11%
in HDL. In 3 other subjects LDL was unaffected but HDL increased by 18%.
Osteoporosis
Recent research has shown that certain soybean isoflavones may inhibit
bone breakdown and even stimulate bone formation. In a study by Erdman et
al (University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA) post-menopausal women
were fed diets containing 40g of dry milk, 40g of soya protein with
moderate level of isoflavones or 40g of soya protein with high level of
isoflavones for a six-month period. The results indicated that bone
density and bone mineral content increased in the lumber spine region in
the women consuming soya protein with a high level of isoflavones. Other
skeletal areas showed similar trends.
Prevention of Cancer
The consumption of soyfoods has been associated with a reduced risk of
several types of cancer. In one study Bennink et al (Michigan State
University, East Lansing, USA) found the animals fed soya flour, soya
flakes, or the soybean isoflavone – genistein – had 35 to 40% fewer ACF
(Aberrant Crypt Foci – which are considered to be the beginning stages of
colon tumors) compared to the animals fed soya protein concentrates. Since
the concentrates are low in soybean isoflavones compared to other soya
products, soya isoflavones may be responsible for this observation.
Similar affect of genistein was observed by other researchers in
controlling breast cancer and prostate cancer.
Kidney Function
Anderson et al showed that animals consuming soya protein had lower level
of blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine than those consuming animal
protein. This is good news for diabetes patients.
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Soy
protein keeps your heart in
good shape.
The US FDA recognises
"25g of soy protein in a day
as a part of diet low in saturated
fat and cholesterol may reduce
the risk of heart disease".
The Soymilk
helps in building strong bones,as it contains calcium and vitamin D
Contains
Cancer fighting compounds called isoflavones ,which reduce the risk of
various types of cancers such as breast, colon and postrate.
Soymilk
is perfect for the Lactose-intolerant as,it it naturally free from lactose.
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