Soy – The “New” Kid on the Block

In the mid-1990s, soy came to the forefront of our attention as one of the world’s most nutritious foods. Since then, soy has not only become widely known for all its healthy benefits, it has been labeled a superfood, which is important because it lets people know that soy is one of the best foods they can eat and that the health claims are backed by scientific research.

Because soy is rich in vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients, it may be able to help fight cancer, fight heart disease, help treat osteoporosis and help treat menopause. Soy is also an excellent source of vegetable protein. Soy is closer to meat protein than any other vegetable because it contains all of the amino acids of a meant protein source.

It was soy’s benefits for the heart that shot it into food fame in the ‘90s. Initial studies showed that consuming soy helped reduce cholesterol by blocking LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol) and preserving HDL cholesterol (healthy cholesterol). Soy beans also contain soluble fiber which helps prevent the body from absorbing cholesterol. As a result of these studies, soy milk became available everywhere as a substitute to traditional cow milk.

Recent studies have shown that soy may not lower cholesterol quite as much as originally thought, but these studies have shown there is still a reduction, which can aid in keeping the heart healthy.

Some experts think that soy may be beneficial in treating prostate cancer and preventing breast cancer. More research is needed in this area, but because soy may actually block estrogen, it’s believed that it may be helpful in keeping women from getting breast cancer. Some studies push for the idea that women who already have breast cancer should not consume soy because concentrated amounts of soy have been linked to cancer in lab animals.

It’s also the estrogen-blocking benefits of soy that may help pre-menopausal women from feeling the side effects, such as hot flashes, once menopause begins. But similar to breast cancer, soy may be better at preventing but not as helpful if you begin to consuming large quantities after menopause has begun. According to this research, you would want to start eating soy before menopause begins to get the most benefits.

Two of the essential minerals that soy contains are magnesium and boron, which are know to assist in calcium absorption (also found in soy), which ultimately make bones stronger. Studies have even shown a reduction in fractures in post-menopausal women who had been consuming soy.

Look for soy products such as soy milk, soy cheese, soy nuts, tofu and miso in your local grocery store.