by Catherine Misener
This article is the second part in a series on the health benefits of adding soy to your diet. Learn how Soy can help in the fight against Breast Cancer.
Why is the soybean considered a miracle legume?Researchers have tried to ascertain why certain populations, such as those in Asia, have lower incidences of various forms of cancer and heart disease, as well as fewer reports of menopausal symptoms. Such populations are known to regularly consume foods made from the soybean.
What is it that sets apart this bean from other foods?
Most importantly, soybeans are loaded with isoflavones. Phytochemicals are plant compounds that, when consumed, have biological effects on animals or humans. One type of phytochemical is the isoflavone, which exerts physiological effects that seem to help reduce the risk for certain diseases – such as heart disease and some forms of cancer. While isoflavones are found in varying amounts in legumes, soybeans provide the only significant source in the human diet. The amount of isoflavones found in a particular soyfood depend on how that food was processed. Tofu, soynuts and soy milk have higher levels of isoflavones (from 37 – 108 mg per ounce), while foods made from a combination of soy and grains have less (soy sauce, soybean oil).
Cancer-Fighting Compounds?
Soyfoods contain isoflavones, which aid the body in a number of ways. One of the isoflavones found in soyfoods is genestein. In laboratory tests, live cancer cells have stopped growing when this specific isoflavone is added. Scientists theorize that genestein acts in the same manner as cancer-fighting drugs that inhibit the enzymes that turn normal cells into cancer cells. Genestein may also interfere with the hormones that allow certain types of cancer, such as prostrate and breast cancer, to grow. Also, genestein and other related substances found in soy, are phytoestrogens, or plant-based estrogens. Genestein is similar in structure to human estrogen, but much weaker. When a woman consumes soy, the phytoestrogens fill the estrogen receptor sites found in breast tissue. When these sites are filled, there is not room for excess human estrogen to bind together – which would otherwise lead to destructive changes in the breast – i.e. breast cancer.
Soy – Part of a Healthy DietJust as there are lower incidences of heart disease in countries which regularly consume soyfoods, there are lower rates of cancer. Studies have found that when Asians, for example, move to the United States and adopt a typical Western diet (higher in fat and cholesterol, lower in fiber), they ultimately have similar rates of cancer as do native Americans. Looking to the Asian style of cooking, meals contain very little animal protein and an abundance of vegetables, rice and noodles. Meat, pork and chicken are treated as accompaniments to vegetables, rather than as the “main dish”. Asian cooking also utilizes a variety of soyfoods, including tofu, miso and soybeans. To learn more about how to cook with a variety of soyfoods, and for quick & easy recipes, please browse the Soy Food Kitchen’s Recipe Collection.