Staying Healthy
There's a lot of talk when it comes to the health benefits of soy. Below you'll find a summary of just a few.
Heart Health & Cholesterol
The FDA states that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Soy protein, when consumed as part of a low fat diet, can help lower cholesterol levels and may slow the formation of blood clots as well as decreasing arteriosclerosis (hardening of artery walls).(1) Learn more about reducing cholesterol and improving heart health.
Bone Health
Soy protein helps build healthy bones and may help to prevent osteoporosis. Soy protein may also enhance calcium retention, keeping bones strong. It has also been shown to increase the quality and density of bones.(1) Learn more about building strong bones.
Cancer
Soy in your diet is thought to help prevent certain cancers such as prostate, colon and breast cancer. Some studies about soy suggest this protective effect.(2) Learn more about lowering your cancer risk.
Lactose Intolerance
Lactose intolerance – the inability to digest a sugar in milk called lactose – can be managed by removing dairy products from your diet. Silk® Soymilk is a great-tasting non-dairy alternative that is naturally lactose-free. It's rich in calcium and contains important nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin B2 and vitamin B12. Learn more about managing lactose intolerance.
Diabetes
Research dating back to 1917 has shown that soy foods can play an important role in managing diabetes and the related risks. Soy protein has been shown in clinical studies to help decrease some harmful effects of kidney disease, which can result from diabetes. Soy foods also have a low glycemic index, which can help to normalize your blood sugar levels.(3) Learn more about diabetes management.
Menopause
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) study released in 2005 shows soy appears to decrease hot flashes in women going through menopause. Soy may also help women in menopause lower high cholesterol and triglyceride (fatty acid) levels and prevent bone loss. Learn more about reducing the symptoms of menopause.
Weight Management
Soy can help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight when it’s incorporated into a lifestyle that includes a well-balanced diet along with regular exercise. Learn more about maintaining a healthy weight.
Managing Your Health
Although your doctor should be your guide, adding soy to your diet can be an easy way to help manage concerns like high cholesterol and even symptoms of menopause. Clinical studies have also looked at the positive role soy has on some aspects of diabetes. Plus, soy can be a great alternative if you have lactose intolerance (allergy to milk). If you think you have one of these conditions, you should talk with your doctor.
1. Arjmandi BH, Alekel L, Hollis BW, et al. (1996).Dietary soybean protein prevents bone loss in an ovariectomized rat model osteoporosis. J Nutr 126:161-67.
2. Messina MJ, Persky V, Setchell KDR, Barnes S. (1994). Soy intake and cancer risk: a review of the in vitro and in vivo date. Nutr Cancer 21:113-31.
3. Anderson JW, Johnstone BM, and Cook-Newell ME.(1995). Meta-analysis of the effects of soy protein on serum-lipids. NE J MED 5:276-82.