Soy Experts Say Soy Foods Protect Against Breast Cancer, Lower Cholesterol And Bolster Nutrition

Soy science experts at a September 2009 symposium said that whole soy foods, rich in nutrients and with more protein that other beans, would support a balanced diet and improve nutrition standards in the U.S. Experts assessed three areas of debate related to soy products: women’s health, heart health, and nutritional impact. They found no increased risk of breast cancer in moderate soy use, and protective benefits and lower risk of breast cancer reoccurrence in longtime soy users, and also stated that one or two servings daily pose no risk to ovaries or ovulation.  Along with a balanced diet, soy use may also reduce the risk of heart disease through lowered cholesterol.  The experts suggest that two servings of whole soy foods a day (15-20g of soy protein) would be a good starting point for people looking to improve their diet. Whole soy foods include edamame, canned soybeans, tofu and dry roasted soybeans.