The Health Benefits of Soy

by WiredBerries Editors — January 23, 2008

Many people are including soy foods in their diets because of the reputed health benefits. The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine offers the following findings:

• Epidemiological studies have found that soy protein may reduce the risk for cancers including breast, colon, and prostate.
• Soy protein has been shown to be useful for heart disease due to its ability to lower cholesterol, enhance coronary artery function, and reduce other heart disease risk factors. After reviewing the evidence for soy protein's effect on cholesterol, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allowed the food industry to place the health claim that 25 grams of soy protein may lower cholesterol on labels of foods containing soy protein.
• Soy foods have been found to have a favorable effect on bone mineral density through the isoflavones it contains in addition to soy protein intake, which reduces the amount of calcium lost in the urine when compared to animal protein intake.

So dig in and enjoy soy! In addition to soybeans themselves (sold fresh as edamame, but also available dried or canned), soy products include soymilk, tofu, tempeh (made from fermented soybeans and grains), miso (soybean paste), and vegetarian meat and dairy substitutes, such as soy meats and soy cheeses.