Health Tips

The evidence for the benefits of a healthy soy diet have been studied and tested by an amazing group of scientist, nutritionist and health experts.

The largely positive results of soy research has increased the popularity of healthy soy diets. Soy as an ingredient is being used more frequently as part of more and more mainstream diets. The number, quality and taste of soy based food has improved dramatically in just the past couple of years.

Soy based foods on the menu are no longer a sign you are eating at the weird edge of foods.

A short list of the benefits of increased soy in your diet includes:

Calorie Control – By providing high quality protein in a concentrated form, soy makes a great contribution to weight loss programs.

Dietary Fiber – soy protein products are excellent sources of dietary fiber. Diets low in fiber have been linked to increased evidence of various diseases and cancers.

Heart Disease – soy diets have been shown to significantly decrease blood cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentration. Reductions in these seem to be beneficial in reducing the risk of heart disease.

Immunochemical Properties – Soy milk is an excellent alternative for people with milk allergies. Research has also suggested soy is associated with protease inhibitors.

Menopause – Some evidence exists showing inclusion of soy products help reduce symptoms of menopause.

Healthy soy diets have grown in variety and flavor over the past few years. Choices include yogurts, cheeses, cereals, burgers, energy bars, puddings and dairy substitutes.

Soy’s Health Claim

Soy foods have been a staple in China, Japan and other countries for hundreds of years. They have also been part of health food diets in the rest of the world for the last forty or fifty years.

In a major indication of mainstream acceptance, the FDA approved a soy health claim for inclusion on labels in October of 1999. After reviewing 27 studies the FDA approved the following…

“Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease. One serving (of various products) provides ___ grams of soy protein”

To qualify for the claim, the per serving amount must contain…

* 6.25 grams of soy protein
* low fat – less than 3 grams
* low saturated fat – less than 1 gram
* low cholesterol – less than 20 milligrams
* a sodium value of less than 480 milligrams for individual foods, less than 720 milligrams for a main dish, less than 960 for a whole meal

I can highly recommend the E-diets Healthy Soy diet as a great online diet choice.

Here is an excellent sampling of current Soy Cook Books:

The Book of Tofu

This Can’t Be Tofu – 75 Recipes You’ll Love

The Tempeh Cookbook

The Soy Desert and Baking Book

The Art of Tofu

The Whole Soy Cookbook

Tofu Cookbook: Over 150 Quick and Easy Recipes

Natural Foods Cookbook: Vegetarian Dairy Free Cuisine