Recent media reports have given Americans more reasons to just say no to tofu, tempeh, and other soy products -- or have they?

Several scientists have alleged that a high intake of soy may increase the risk of breast cancer, dementia, and developmental abnormalities in infants.

However, the majority of research studies -- as well as the experience of Asian populations where soy has been a dietary staple for thousands of years -- suggest that soy is not only safe but also beneficial to health.

Phytoestrogens: Friend or Foe?
Much of the concern about soy has to do with naturally occurring compounds called phytoestrogens that are found in soy and other foods.

As their name suggests, phytoestrogens (phyto- means plant) are plant compounds with chemical structures similar to that of the hormone estrogen. This similarity enables them to fit into the body's estrogen receptor sites, much as a key fits into a lock.

Just as a key can be used to lock or unlock a door, phytoestrogens can be used to turn on or turn off genes that tell cells to carry out estrogenic activity.

Because of their dual on/off function, phytoestrogens provide a natural, gentle balancing of hormone levels.

Just Look at Japanese Women's Diets!
If soy intake were linked to breast cancer, one would expect that Japanese women -- who eat an average of 24 pounds of soy foods per person year -- would have a much higher breast cancer incidence than American women, who eat about 4 pounds of soy foods per person per year.

In fact, the opposite is true. Not only do Japanese women have much lower rates of breast cancer than American women, they are also much less likely to die from it.

A Japanese woman's risk of death from breast cancer is three to four times lower than that of American women.

Can Soy Make You Stupid?
In a recent study of Japanese-American men living in Hawaii, consumption of tofu in mid-life was linked to an increased risk of mental decline in later life.

So should you swear off soymilk, veggie burgers and soy supplements? Not if you want to live to a ripe -- and wise -- old age.

Soy is known to reduce cholesterol, protect arteries from free radical damage, and decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.

These factors, taken together, suggest that soy is much more likely to promote healthy brain function rather than impair it.

Soy: Safe for Infants?
Finally, some researchers claim that soy-based formulas may increase the risk of developmental abnormalities in infants -- a claim that is based primarily on animal studies showing that soy phytoestrogens can alter sexual development.

Without a doubt, breast milk is the best food source for infants, as it contains everything a baby needs to thrive -- naturally.

Nevertheless, breastfeeding is not always possible, and for infants who are allergic to or cannot digest cow's milk, soy formula can be an absolute lifesaver.

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This information was obtained from Dr. Whitaker's web site.