How soy in the diet may prevent common diseases!

I know you already realize I'm not a doctor. And I'm certainly not a medical research scientist either! But I've spent countless hours researching and reading about the amazing health benefits and disease prevention aspects of soy. I've read more articles than I can begin to tell you about - and certainly more than you'd likely ever want to wade through yourself.

Below you'll find just some of the benefits I discovered. Instead of trying to use my own words, I'll give you the quote, who said it, and a link so you can go read it yourself. That way you'll know I'm not makin' this stuff up!

If all this isn't enough health facts for you, read more about the nutrition facts of soy. It just keeps gettin' better!

Or, skip all the reading and just ask yourself one simple question.

Soy and heart health

"New research helps explain how soy may contribute to heart health, through a process scientists refer to as 'decreased platelet aggregation.' By reducing the density of platelet receptors, a natural component in soy called isoflavones may contribute to a reduced risk of blood clotting, which in turn decreases the risk of heart attack and stroke."

- Study Sheds Light on Soy and Heart Health, MedicalNewsToday.com

Soy and breast cancer

"Researchers believe phytoestrogens found in soy may help protect against breast cancer because phytoestrogens compete with estrogen in the body to bind to estrogen receptors on cells.

Because phytoestrogens found in soy foods may block estrogen from reaching estrogen receptors, pre-menopausal women who include soy in their diet may decrease their risk of breast cancer."

- Soy and Breast Cancer, Imaginis.com (noted breast cancer resource)

Soy and prostate cancer

"Specific isoflavones found in soybeans (genistein, daidzein) have cancer protective properties. Epidemiologic observational studies have suggested that a diet high in soy isoflavones may reduce the incidence and mortality of prostate cancer."

- National Cancer Institute, Cancer.gov

Soy and menopause, blood pressure

"Hot flushes are uncommon in women from countries where the consumption of soy products is high, such as Asian countries. In fact, there is no precise Japanese word to describe a hot flush."

"In summary, soy isoflavones may be useful in women with mild to moderate post-menopausal symptoms."

Just as little as 1/2 cup of soy nuts each day results in lower blood pressure in postmenopausal women according to a study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in May 2007. Note that just consuming soy protein did not have the same effect - only the whole soy nut!

- Soy nuts reduce blood pressure, RevolutionHealth.com

Soy and osteoporosis

"A new study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine in September 2005 found that intake of soy food was associated with a significantly lower risk of bone fracture, particularly among early post-menopausal women."

"A recent study published in 2003 by the Oklahoma State University showed that soy protein was more effective in bone formation and retention of calcium inside the body (excreting less calcium in urine) compared to milk protein."

- Soy and Your Bones, HealthCastle.com

P.S. Yes, I admit...

If you look around on the internet now-a-days, you'll see some new studies that say that soy may not be the "miracle food" and "wonder cure" that was widely touted several years ago at the height of the "soy craze". I sincerely applaud all studies and efforts to gain more insights into the effects of the foods we eat on our overall health.

The point here is not to convince you that simply eating soy nuts will cure some terrible disease - heavens no! It's just to let you know that soy (especially the whole bean) is widely recognized as having some amazing health benefits, although the exact degree will always be debated!

The most important question to ask yourself...