So Long to Soy?

New Studies Cast a Shadow of Doubt

By Teri Brown

Soy has often been touted as being right up there with the egg as nature's perfect food. Protein, calcium and iron are only a few of the nutrients soy possesses.

Yvette Deluca of Glendale, Ariz., feeds her family soy for the health benefits. "My middle daughter is highly allergic to milk," she says. "One glass of cow's milk and she breaks out into itchy, painful eczema all over her arms and stomach. Cow's milk also aggravates her asthma. We use soy milk as an alternative to cow's milk. I use soy milk because it provides some protection against cancer, heart disease and high blood pressure, all of which are prevalent in my family. Soy gives me an alternative way to get the calcium my body needs without increasing my breathing problems."

Valerie Dennis of Austin, Texas, eats soy for the health benefits as well. "I eat soy products because I'm making an attempt to eat less animal products," she says. "Soy has a nice bit of protein, and some of the stuff is pretty good. I love a good tofu fruit smoothie."

The known health benefits of soy are almost too numerous to be listed. According to the more than 500 studies done on soy, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease, may reduce the risk of some types of cancer, promotes bone health and may even reduce menopause symptoms.

Nancy Chapman, registered dietician and executive director of the Soy Foods Association of North America says that soy beans are a wonderful addition to a person's diet. "Soyfoods are safe, nutrient-rich foods that have become an important part of a balanced diet for many who seek to prevent chronic diseases, such as heart disease," she says.

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