Available Articles: |
 Back
to Main |
SOY
More than three dozen studies demonstrate that soy protein powder added to daily meals can lower cholesterol levels by as much as 34 percent. Many researchers suspect that soybean phytoestrogens called isoflavones may also reduce breast cancer risk by blocking natural estrogens. These same chemicals appear to guard bone strength and lessen hot flashes, and may impede the growth of blood vessels that nourish malignant tumors.
Few Americans eat foods made from soybeans, so soy capsules might seem like a fine idea. But University of Illinois soy researcher Clare Hasler has her doubts. Scientists still aren't sure which elements are the active ones, she says. The cholesterol benefits were found in studies of soy protein isolate, a powdered form of the bean that lacks its fiber and carbohydrates. Most pills, on the other hand, contain only refined isoflavones. Yet supplement makers confidently propose taking two or three pills a day.
The bottom line:
Hasler suggests giving soy products a chance. Salted soy nuts (available in health food stores) make a good snack, and a few handfuls are likely to deliver the same amount of isoflavones as a standard capsule. Many markets sell the protein powder, which can be mixed into smoothies, scrambled into omelettes, and baked into bread.
|
|
|
