Soy contains a high amount of protein, including all of the eight essential amino acids not manufactured by the human body. It is the only vegetable source of these amino acids.
Soy is also a rich source of calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, Vitamin B, Omega 3 fatty acids and fiber. Naturally occurring antioxidants.
Most importantly, soy contains several important “isoflavones”, including genistein and daidzein, antioxidants that protect cells from the damage caused by “free radicals.”
According to the “Peer Review of Human Medical Studies and Longevity Statistics”:
- Soy is the “most nutritious food known to humans.” The oxygen/nitrogen base of soy most approximates that of human beings
- Soy has been shown to prevent and treat chronic diseases such as heart, kidney, and liver diseases, as well as osteoporosis, diabetes, and arthritis
- Soy has been shown to greatly reduce menopausal and PMS symptoms
- Soy consumption has been linked to lower rates of lung, breast, prostate, and colon cancers
- Soy boosts your immunity. Studies have shown that the soybean peptides can boost the immune system
- Soy fiber products contain the needed trace vitamins and minerals that are not normally present in many of our foods today
- Soy is rated at the top of the list of anti-aging foods
- Soy helps soften, tighten, replenish, and prevent dry wrinkled skin
- Soy is a natural estrogen that helps prevent Alzheimers disease
- Soy lecithin is an important source of phospholipids-phosphatidyl serine, which improves memory, concentration, and mood.
HARVARD STUDY: SOY COUNTERACTS METABOLIC SYNDROME
Soy Nuts and Soy Protein May Help Control Precursor to Heart Disease and Diabetes
"ST. LOUIS, MO – Obesity. High blood pressure. Abnormal cholesterol levels. Most of us intuitively recognize these as warning signs for health problems. Combine these risk factors in individuals with insulin resistance, however, and the cluster becomes metabolic syndrome – a precursor to heart disease and type-2 diabetes. Now, new research co-authored by the Harvard University School of Public Health shows that adding soy to the diet may improve many problems associated with the metabolic syndrome above and beyond that of a healthy diet without soy."
Soy Health Claim
"On October 26, 1999, the Food and Drug Administration authorized a health claim that links the consumption of soy protein with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. The FDA reviewed hundreds of scientific research studies and public comments before granting the soy and heart disease health claim. During this review process, FDA found no credible evidence that soy causes harm when consumed by humans. The FDA approved health claim recommends 25 grams or 4 servings of foods with 6.25 grams of soy plesterol significantly (FDA Final Rule; 64 (206) 1999). "
Dr Weil.com
Q: Rethinking Soy?
Your last articles about soy were written almost two years ago. Since that time, there appears to be more evidence that soy should be avoided with the exception of properly fermented products, like miso and tempeh. Have you changed your opinion?
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