Six Ways Soy Benefits Your Health

Soy, and most soy-based products, are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans are the only plant food that has all of the essential amino acids our body requires, making it a complete protein. Soy foods do not have any cholesterol, and most are high in fiber. Soy also has many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical compounds (like isoflavones) that work together to create numerous health benefits.

Research shows that a daily intake of at least 25 grams of soy protein and 30-50 milligrams of isoflavones can improve and safeguard your health. This is the equivalent of 1-2 servings of soy foods a day. Here is a list of soy's properties and how they can positively affect you.

1. Soy's protein and isoflavones lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol and decrease blood clotting (thrombosis), which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. Soy's protein and isoflavones provide antioxidants, reduce artery clogging plaque, improve blood pressure and promote healthy blood vessels, which protects the body from free radical damage, boosts the immune system, and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

3. Soy's soluble fiber protects the body from many digestive related cancers, such as colon and rectal cancer. While its isoflavones may protect the body from many hormone-related cancers, like breast, endometrial (uterine) and prostate cancer.

4. Soy's protein enhances the body's ability to retain and better absorb calcium in the bones. While its isoflavones slow bone loss and inhibit bone breakdown, which helps prevent osteoporosis.

5. Soy's isoflavones help the body regulate estrogen when this hormone is declining or fluctuating, which helps alleviate many menopausal and PMS symptoms.

6. Soy's protein and soluble fiber help regulate glucose levels and kidney filtration, which helps control diabetic conditions and kidney disease.

To learn more about soy, visit the Virtues of Soy website at http://www.geocities.com/virtuesofsoy/

Copyright © 2005 Monique N. Gilbert. All rights reserved.

Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc. is a Health, Nutrition, Weight-Loss and Lifestyle Coach, Certified Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor, Freelance Writer and Author of Virtues of Soy: A Practical Health Guide and Cookbook. She has offered guidance in natural health, nutrition, fitness, weight-loss and stress management since 1989. You can contact Monique through her web site at http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com

Author Bio . . .

Monique N. Gilbert has received international recognition for helping people get healthy, feel better, look younger and live longer. Through her coaching program and writings, Monique motivates, inspires and teaches how to naturally enhance your health, happiness, energy and longevity with balanced nutrition, physical activity and tranquil living environments. Monique believes it is her mission to educate and enlighten everyone about the benefits of healthy eating and living. For more information, visit her website - http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com

---

What is A Balanced Diet For Losing Weight and Good Health?

The total calories that you should be consuming depend on... Read More

Simple Easy Health and Home Fixes From The Days Gone By

How did we cure ourselves of many aches pains and... Read More

Bye Bye Holidays and Holiday Eating

Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More

That Cookie Might Kill You!

Chances are you may have had a food product that... Read More

Eating Instinctively

I start from the premise that eating instinctively means eating... Read More

Turn to Diet for Everyday Ailments

The old cliché that you are what you eat is... Read More

The Importance of Protein

Protein is one of the basic building blocks of the... Read More

Ever Hear of This Fruit?

I want to tell you about the most healthful and... Read More

Fish Oil Data-some new facts about Fish Oil

According to the renowned research scientist and inventor of the... Read More

Healthy Aging - The Clean-Meat Connection

It is shocking how many people are not taking advantage... Read More

Copping Out the Positive Effects of Copper

One must always keep in mind that copper is not... Read More

Eating ... Gaining Weight ... How to Control the Urge to Splurge

I confess: I'm completely addicted to Pringles. My determination weakens... Read More

Take Control of Your Health

In large part, you're in control of your health, not... Read More

Fructose Short-Circuits Glycolysis

First some terminology.Fructose ... a five carbon sugar that occurs... Read More

How To Prevent Hypoglycemia

Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More

The Crucial Role of the Salt in Our Health

Salt is vital for our health. Right now, you have... Read More

What Would You Do For a Klondike Bar?

Unfortunately, the words "diet" and "cheating" go hand in hand.... Read More

Hidden Poison

Did you know that there might be poison in many... Read More

Benefits of a Variety of Fruits and Vegetables

We know we need to eat a minimum of 5... Read More

Small Changes Yield Big Benefits

You can start today - right now, even - on... Read More

Just How Dangerous Are Splenda and Artificial Sweeteners - Which Side is Spinning?

There seems to be fairly poor tracking by any formal... Read More

Improve Your Health With Fiber!

Your fiber intake is a critical factor in weight loss... Read More

Good Meal Sizes and Frequency

Meal sizes and frequency are very important. Over the years... Read More

Surprise! Many Fats, Even Some Saturated Fats Can Actually Be Good for You

I'll preface this article by saying that it will help... Read More

ACAI Berry Named Top 10 Superfoods For Anti-Aging by Dr. Nicholas Perricone

The benefits from eating healthy are endless. And, according to... Read More

Antioxidants - Your Best Defense Against Disease and Aging

Studies support the benefits of eating a diet rich in... Read More

Beans - The Perfect Food?

Beans. Legumes. Pulses. Whatever you call this plant group, they... Read More

Personal Wellness Program

Having a personal wellness program has become a concern for... Read More

Does your body know its ABCs??

What are Glyconutritionals?The Greek word "Glyco" means "Sugar". Most people... Read More

The Joys of Being Healthy

It is amazing to be able to say I am... Read More

Finding Your Reason Why to be Healthy

The most incredible thing you can do for yourself is... Read More

Seven Secret Agents That Can Help You Live To 120

You know about Vitamins A,C, D, E ,and the B's... Read More

High Blood Pressure? Natural Alternatives Can Help!

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a dangerous condition that can... Read More