What’s the Real Scoop on Soy? (Part 1)

I’m hard pressed to think of how the timing of this——our debut article——might be any better than it is now in light of the American Heart Association’s controversial study which has been widely misreported and misinterpreted in the media. I’ve read a ton of blogs and news reports by now and a fair number of them seem to be even gleeful about the alleged “doubt” that was supposedly cast upon the powerful health benefits of soy by the AHA. In fact, there was some spurious doubt cast before the committee report. (If you’re short on time, go here for a brief review.)

In a way, the media hullabaloo over this report was useful in prompting us to begin this long overdue Café Soy blog, through which we will supply tons of health information relative to soy, healthy living, fruits and vegetables, very special and unique recipes, and many other kinds of things that we’re sure will suit your fancy. Having said all that, let’s begin with the first of several articles that will weigh-in on the current debate.

To begin with, Café Soy’s position is that prevention will always be better than any cure. The AHA panel said it would not recommend the use of food or pills supplemented with isoflavones, upon the basis of its own findings. However, the Associated Press reported that: “Nutrition experts say soy-based foods still are good because they often are eaten in place of less healthy fare like burgers and hot dogs. But they don't have as much direct benefit as had been hoped on cholesterol, one of the top risk factors for heart disease.”

In the Introduction to her comprehensive volume, one author (Gilbert, 2000) has written, “Soy is an extremely versatile and nutritiously packed legume (bean) which promotes good health and vitality. Current research suggests soy foods can ward off heart attack, stroke, various cancers, osteoporosis, menopausal symptoms, diabetes and kidney disease. These medical conditions and diseases are widespread and approaching epidemic levels throughout our Western society. Yet soy is still a mystery to many Americans. Therefore, I feel it is my mission to educate and enlighten everyone interested in this glorious bean”, (p. 1). Moreover, the New York Times volume on alternative health affirmed the observation that, “thanks to a number of studies suggesting that foods made from soybeans may have impressive health benefits, soy is finally getting some respect” (Brody & Grady, 2001, p. 342).

For more details on what and how impressive those “benefits” are, please come back to read Part 2 of this series.

Be well and be blessed!

Marlon Wade

Co-Founder

Café Soy, LLC

info@cafesoy.com

http://www.cafesoy.com