Amazing Benefits of Soy
Quick, what comes to mind when you hear the word "Soy"? Do you see some inedible, unpalatable paste or "burger"? Or do you envision a product used solely for the purpose of extending the amount of meat in a recipe? There is much more to soy than you might imagine! Not only can it be tasty as a main ingredient in many delicious recipes, but it also packs several promising health benefits that may make even the most critical skeptic take another look at this amazing food.
Soy may lower cardiovascular disease risk
Studies have shown that people with elevated serum cholesterol (>220 mg/dl) may benefit by including relatively small amounts of soy protein in their diets.
Soy may have a role in cancer prevention
There have been a few recent studies that indicate soy may indeed have a role in cancer prevention. Anticarcinogens have been identified in soybeans.
Protease inhibitor and isoflavones are two of many. Isoflavones may have a protective effect through hormonal (antiestrogenic) influence, which has been demonstrated in human studies. In addition, genistein, a primary isoflavone in soybeans, may function in ways that are applicable to the prevention of other types of cancers other than hormone-receptive tumors.
The ideal soy product to consume to get the most protective effect may be difficult to determine since soy products differ in anticarcinogen content, particular with respect to isoflavones. The less processed the soy product, the greater the isoflavone content will be (tofu, soymilk, tempeh, most soy flours). Additional studies are warranted to be able to state that soy intake definitely reduces cancer risk. However, data available presently does suggest a protective effect.
Soy may have a protective effect from osteoporosis
There is a positive relationship between adequate calcium intake and the prevention and/or minimization of osteoporosis. Not everyone can get the benefits of calcium from milk or standard milk-protein-based formulas. Many people have turned to soy products to get their protein and calcium. Soy formulas are fortified with calcium salts which are well absorbed. Soy beans alone contain a high calcium content in comparison to other plant foods. Calcium absorption from soy beans has been found to be only slightly lower than that in milk.
Great, you may think. Now I have to drink soy formula or eat soybeans to get my calcium. Not so! Tofu, a popular soy product (Put simply, tofu is the soy equivalent to cheese), if set with calcium sulfate, has a calcium content only 50 milligrams less than that contained in an 8 ounce glass of milk. There are ways to enjoy calcium from soy products other than from plain soymilk and/or tofu.
