Soy Benefits | Tofu Cooking Article

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"Soy- Nature's Miracle Food?"

By Chef Kevin Wagner

All too often people reach for medications to counteract diseases brought on by improper lifestyles and eating habits.

What if there was a better way?

Let's take a quick look at the power of soy...

Scientist note that people who consume diets high in soy have significantly lower raters of coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, cancer (breast, colon and prostrate), and fewer menopausal symptoms. Several components of the soybean, including protein, fiber, calcium, essential fatty acids, and isoflavones offer the potential health benefits of soy.

The daily recommendation of isoflavones (the active ingredient of soy) is 47mg. This equals ¾ cup tofu or tempeh, or 1-1/2 cups soy milk.

'Anti-cancer' properties of soy are thought to be related primarily to its isoflavone composition. Studies have shown that soy isoflavones decrease the development of breast and prostate tumors and slow the growth of human breast and prostate cancer cells.

Researchers are focusing on soy isoflavones and their potential role not only for the slowing of cancer growth, but also in the prevention of breast, prostate and other types of cancer. Antioxidant properties of soy isoflavones help reduce formation of free radicals.

Here are just a few of the diseases and symptoms which can be alleviated by simply including more soy products into your diet...

OSTEOPOROSIS - Soy foods contain calcium, which helps promote bone health in all age groups. It has been suggested that a diet high in soy isoflavones may also reduce the risk of osteoporosis by potentially reducing bone loss and improving or maintaining bone density in certain groups of men and women (in individuals with low estrogen).

CORONARY HEART DISEASE -The results of numerous studies suggest that consuming soy protein daily may potentially reduce the risk for coronary heart disease by 18-28%. A diet high in soy protein (a minimum of 25 grams per day) has been shown in several studies to exert potential cardiovascular benefits including decreased total cholesterol (9.3%), decreased LDL (bad) cholesterol levels (13%), increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels, decreased triglyceride levels, antioxidant properties, and possible protective effects on blood vessel walls.

MENOPAUSAL SYMPTOMS - Due to its rich isoflavone content, diets high in soy (a minimum of 25 grams per day) may have the potential to control menopausal symptoms (length and severity of hot flashes, mood swings, excess hair growth) in women with low estrogen.

*In fact, only 3% of Chinese women experience any of the common symptoms of menopause, due to their regular consumption of soy.

LACTOSE INTOLERANCE - Soy products contain no lactose, and provide an important component of lactose free diet.

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Sidebar:

*We always recommend you consult with your physician before making any extreme dietary changes.

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Adding a bit of soy to your daily routine could make a world of difference. What have you got to lose?

Yours in Food & Friendship,
Chef Kevin

Kevin Wagner is Chef/Owner of "Cooking Solutions", providing personal culinary assistance and helpful, friendly advice. From catering services to cooking lessons, recipes to cookbooks... visit the web's friendliest food site at: http://www.cooking-solution.com

Email ChefKevin@cooking-solutions.com with questions or response to this article.

*Reprint of this article granted with contact information intact*

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