Health Benefits of Soy

Antioxidant

The antioxidant properties of isoflavones may help LDL (“bad”) cholesterol resist oxidation and prevent free radical damage to DNA. Antioxidants may also defend against cancer. Studies show that genestein has greater antioxidant activities than the other isoflavones. Genestein may also increase the production of antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase.

Bone Health

Researchers around the world are excited about soy’s ability to strengthen bones, increase bone mass and prevent osteoporosis. Soy is a great dietary source of calcium, and calcium is essential for healthy bones and proper development of the musculoskeletal system. Additionally, genistein and daidzein appear to inhibit the breakdown of bones. One study showed that soy isoflavones helped fortify bones found in the lumbar spine and also prevented the development of dowager’s hump, which is commonly seen in postmenopausal women. Another study showed that genistein was equal to prescription doses of estradiol for retaining bone mineral mass.

Heart Health

Numerous studies have shown that soy and soy isoflavones can benefit the cardiovascular system in many ways. And so impressive are its heart-healthy attributes that in 2000, the FDA allowed soy food products to carry a health claim stating that soy is effective in fighting coronary heart disease. While results have been mixed, there is promising research surrounding both genistein and daidzein and their complementary effect in fighting heart disease.

Reducing Cholesterol Levels

It is well established in controlled trials that increased soy protein intake has the potential to lower LDL-cholesterol levels and thus may also reduce the risk of heart disease, particularly in postmenopausal women.

Even More Health Benefits

Aside from the benefits surrounding hormone-related conditions in women, heart disease and cancer, soy and its principal components are showing promise in helping other areas, including the following:

Fighting bacterial and fungal infections
Acting as a diuretic
Improving kidney function
Relieving effect of type 2 diabetes
Preventing gallstones

The Bottom Line

Soy is a nutritious, affordable and widely available source of complete protein. The fact that soy may provide so many more health benefit is all the more reason to add soy to our daily diet.

Soy Fast Facts

Uses and Benefits: Soy is a natural, meat-free source of complete protein. Soy may also provide nutritive support for women’s health and cardiovascular health.
Sources: Soy foods include tofu, soy milk, natto, tempeh, miso and soy sauce. Soy protein powder is widely available, as are supplements containing soy extracts.
Special Considerations: Soy and soy foods are widely considered to be safe. However in some cases soy isoflavones have been reported to impair thyroid activity. Discuss any concerns you may have with your physician before increasing the amount of soy in your diet.

USANA Products SoyaMax is not only a great source of protein, it is naturally low glycemic and has only one gram of fat per serving as well as other USANA Vitamins.

Eat Dark Chocolate

Chocolate is good for you. Well, sort of. It’s still high in calories, but an ounce of dark chocolate will provide you with antioxidants and can help lower your blood pressure. Just keep in mind that the darker the chocolate, the better off you are because dark chocolate contains the least amount of fat and sugar.

Eat Fresh Blueberries

When it comes to brain protection, there’s nothing quite like the blueberry. Doctors call it the “brain berry” and attributes its health benefits to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. They see potential for reversing short-term memory loss and forestalling many other effects of aging. The American Institute for Cancer Research recommends eating blueberries because they are “one of the best sources of antioxidants, substances that can slow the aging process and reduce cell damage that can lead to cancer”. By eating only half a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries a day, you can receive their antioxidant protection and benefit from their anti-aging and metabolism-boosting properties. When out of season, use frozen blueberries in a smoothie or mixed with yogurt and walnuts as a delicious snack.

Eat Parsley

Parsley is loaded with compounds that purify your blood and expel toxins from your body. It is also dense in vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin K, iodine, iron, and chlorophyll. Actually, parsley has higher vitamin C content than citrus and is an excellent ingredient to battle inflammation. It also contains certain volatile oils that have been shown to inhibit the formation of tumors, particularly in the lungs. Parsley is also rich in flavonoids known for their antioxidant activity and helps prevent free radical damage (a major metabolism buster) to your body’s cells. Parsley’s dark green color also provides needed oxygenating chlorophyll, which increases the antioxidant capacity of your blood.

Try Resveratrol

It appears that resveratrol, an antioxidant found in red wine, is the key to unlocking the maddening “French Paradox”. Though, at this juncture, most of the research has been conducted on nonhuman species, those studies suggest that the fat-soluble compound helps the liver to process carbohydrates – boosting metabolism. Resveratrol acts as an antioxidant and may help to protect against atherosclerosis and heart disease. It also activates SIRT1, a gene that helps the body process fat, improves overall aerobic activity, and may have a positive impact on longevity. Resveratrol should not be used with drugs that increase risk of bleeding, including warfarin/Coumadin, aspirin, heparin, and lovenox. Until more is known about the estrogenic activity of resveratrol in humans, women with a history of estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers, should avoid resveratrol supplements.