Soy

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
anticancer
antioxidant
antithyroid
phytoestrogenic

indexed as:
Daidzein
Genistein
Glycine Max
Isoflavone
Protein (Soy)
Soya

Soy, a staple food in many Asian countries,
contains valuable constituents, including
protein, isoflavones, saponins, and phytosterols.

Soy protein provides essential amino acids.
When eaten with rice,
soy provides protein comparable
to that found in animal products.

Soy is low in fat and cholesterol-free.
The isoflavones in soy,
primarily genistein and daidzein,
have been well researched by scientists
for their antioxidant and phytoestrogenic properties.

Saponins enhance immune function and bind
to cholesterol to limit its
absorption in the intestine.
Phytosterols and other components of soy
have been reported to lower cholesterol levels.

The soy isoflavone genistein has been reported
to inhibit angiogenesis,
the growth of new blood vessels that,
when abnormal, can contribute
to the development of cancer.
Soy isoflavones have been shown to inhibit
5 alpha-reductase,3 the enzyme that activates testosterone
in the prostate gland and other tissues.

Alpha-reductase inhibition represents
a potentially effective therapeutic approach
to benign prostate enlargement and male pattern baldness.

Isoflavones may reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers,
such as breast and prostate cancer, and other cancers.

One study of soy research found that 65%
of 26 animal-based cancer studies showed
a protective effect of soy or soy isoflavones.

Human research suggests a protective role
of soy against cancer,
but the data are currently insufficient to form
any solid conclusions.7

A review of 38 different studies revealed that
soy consumption reduced cholesterol levels
in 89% of the studies.
A meta-analysis of these studies indicated
eating soy resulted, on average,
in a cholesterol reduction of 23 mg per deciliter.

Exactly how soy lowers cholesterol remains in debate,
though isoflavones appear to be one key component.

The mild estrogenic activity of soy isoflavones
may ease menopause symptoms for some women,
without creating estrogen-related problems.
In one double-blind trial, supplementation
with 60 grams of soy protein per day for 12 weeks
led to a 45% decrease in the number of hot flashes,
compared with a 30% reduction in the placebo group,
a statistically significant difference.

In addition, soy may help regulate
hormone levels in premenopausal women.

Soy may be beneficial in preventing osteoporosis.

Isoflavones from soy have protected against bone loss
in animal studies.13 In a double-blind study
of postmenopausal women, supplementation
with 40 grams of soy protein powder per day
(containing 90 mg of isoflavones per day)
protected against bone mineral loss in the spine.

Although the use of soy in the prevention
of osteoporosis looks hopeful, no long-term human studies
have examined the effects of soy or soy-derived isoflavones
on bone density or fracture risk.

Where is it found?
Relatively large amounts of isoflavones
are present in whole soybeans, roasted soy nuts,
tofu, tempeh, soy milk, meat substitutes,
soy flour, and some soy protein isolates.

In addition, the isoflavones present in soy
are available as supplements, in capsules or tablets.

Soy has been used in connection with the following conditions
(refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Health Concerns;
High cholesterol
Menopause
Osteoporosis
Thyroidism
Vaginitis

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data
showing a substantial health benefit.

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies
suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.

An herb is primarily supported
by traditional use, or the herb or supplement has
little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Who is likely to be deficient?
Although deficiencies do not occur,
people who do not consume soy foods
will not gain the benefits of soy.

How much is usually taken?
The ideal intake of soy is not known.
Researchers suggest the equivalent of one serving
of soy foods per day supports good health,
and the benefits increase as soy intake increases.

Societies in which large amounts of soy are consumed
ingest between 50 and 100 mg per day of soy isoflavones.

The cholesterol-lowering effects of soy have been observed
at amounts as low as 20 grams of soy protein per day,
if it replaces animal protein in the diet.

Are there any side effects or interactions?
Soy products and cooked soybeans are safe
at a wide range of intakes. However,
a small percentage of people have allergies
to soybeans and thus should avoid soy products.

Soybeans
Soybeans contain;
lecithin, this chemical will shield
cells from accumulating fat.
This chemical prevents, like a shield,
fat from forming on your cells.

It will break down fatty deposits in your body.

Eat soybeans at least 3 times a week and boost
the bodies' ability to get rid of fat.

Soybeans are in most health food stores.

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