Is there anything that soy can’t do? For more than 15 years, we’ve heard that soy reduces the occurrence of hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, mood swings, and other menopausal symptoms, making it an ideal menopausal food option. And, numerous medical journals have also documented soy’s positive effects on the brain, heart, bones, breasts, and uterus, as well as the skin, hair, and nails.

Based on new research, Dr. Northrup now reports that the isoflavones and proteins specific to soy can protect against cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and even certain cancers.¹ Studies also indicate that these same unique compounds support cognitive function, protect against bone fractures and bone loss, and lower cholesterol.

In one study, significant improvements in “category fluency,” “logical memory,” and “memory recall” occurred after 12 weeks when postmenopausal women took 110 mg of soy isoflavones per day.² An additional study showed improvements in “spatial cognition” a week after participants added soy to their diet in high doses.³

Researchers also noted that women consuming 13 gm or more of soy protein everyday were half as likely to incur a bone fracture as those eating 5 gm or less per day.⁴ “This is pretty exciting,” Dr. Northrup notes, “especially when you consider that you can get this amount of soy protein simply by drinking two glasses of soy milk a day!”

Some studies show that soy’s antioxidant properties could prevent LDL (bad) cholesterol from clogging the arteries.⁵ This data has been so overwhelming that even the FDA issued a recommendation—they advise consuming 25 gm of soy protein per day to prevent heart disease.

“When it comes to your brain, bones, and heart, just about anyone can easily take advantage of soy’s protective power.” And rather than taking years, the benefits of adding soy to the diet can be seen in three months or less!

“If eating soy isn’t currently a part of your daily ritual, I encourage you to incorporate it into your diet,” says Dr. Northrup. “You’ll be providing terrific protection against oxidative stress, adding a superior form of protein, balancing your hormones, protecting your bones, strengthening brain function, lowering your cholesterol, and so much more!”

 

References

1. Omoni, A.O., Aluko, R.E., 2005. Soybean foods and their benefits: potential mechanisms of action. Nutr Rev, Aug;63(8):272-83.
2. Kritz-Silverstein, D., et. al., 2003. Isoflavones and cognitive function in older women: the Soy and Postmenopausal Health in Aging Study, Menopause, May-Jun;10(3):196-202.
3. Celec, P., et. al., 2005. Endocrine and cognitive effects of short-time soybean consumption in women, Gynecol Obstet Invest, 59(2):62-6, Epub 2004 Nov 3.
4. 9 Zhang, X., et. al. 2005, Prospective cohort study of soy food consumption and risk of bone fracture among postmenopausal women, Arch Intern Med, Sep 12;165(16):1890-5.
5. Anderson, J.J., et. al., 2002. Effects of high- and low-isoflavone soyfoods on blood lipids, oxidized LDL, homocysteine, and blood pressure in hyperlipidemic men and women. Am J Clin Nutr, Aug;76(2):365-72.