What About Soy Products Is Healthy?
Soy-based products are becoming more common in grocery stores and restaurants every day. Soybeans and soy-based food products contain numerous vitamins and minerals, including omega-3, calcium and folic acid. Some of the most common soy-based food products are tofu, tempeh, soy nuts and soy milk. Soy products are not only high in nutrients, but also provide long-term health benefits. Does this Spark an idea?
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A Healthy Heart
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Cardiac health is important for people of all ages. In May 2009, the Center for Disease Control found that heart disease was the leading cause of death in the United States. Maintaining low cholesterol levels and consuming omega-3 fatty acids help promote good heart health. Next to fish oil supplements, soy products are the best source of omega-3 fatty acids. The National Soy Bean Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign notes that soybeans are low in saturated fat and are cholesterol-free.
Strong Bones
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Similar to the trademark dairy milk ads, soy milk and other soy products provide a high source of calcium. Consuming calcium-rich products on a regular basis promotes bone health and helps to prevent fractures. Postmenopausal women have noted great benefits from adapting soy products into their diet to help prevent bone loss and fractures.
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Cancer Prevention
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A unique nutrient of soybeans are isoflavones, which are a plant-based chemical compound. Isoflavones help prevent and combat cancer. Soy Nutrition notes that eating soy-based foods early in life can help prevent breast and prostate cancer. While consumers of soy products have been less likely to develop these types of cancer, you should speak with your doctor about adding soy before making any changes to your diet. If you have food allergens, ask your doctor if soy products are safe for you to consume.
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