The American Heart Association released new
dietary and lifestyle guidelines for 2006. The new recommendations repleace the last set of guidelines published in 2000. The new recommendations emphasize:
- Further reducing saturated and trans fatty acids in the diet compared to the last set of guidelines.
- Eating a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole-grain foods.
- Achieving and maintaining healthy cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels.
One way to accomplish these recommendations is to add
soy products to your diet. In fact, in 1999, the Food and Drug Administration authorized a health claim that links the consumption of soy protein with a reduced risk of coronary heart disease. Now, before you say, "Yuk. Soybeans." Consider trying some of the tasty products from
Boca or
Morningstar Farms. You can select from vegetable burgers, mock-chicken patties, even corn dogs. These products are lower in fat and calories compared to their meaty cousins and I think they are very flavorable. I also like to use tofu in place of meats when I stir-fry dishes.
Poll: What is your favorite soy product?
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Does a soy product offer greater benefits than other grains (e.g., whole wheat)? Is one of the benefits of soy its versatility compared to other grains?
Soy contains isoflavones which have some hormonal health benefits. Soy is also a great source of protein. Although soy is often ground and used as a flour, it is not a grain, it is a legume. This means that people who have celiac disease or may have grain allergies can use soy in place of wheat and other grains.
Please do some research on the dangers of soy. Until you do, stop repeating the propaganda of the soy lobby. It is dangerous!
I feel the article is well researched and presents information from different points of view and sources.
Salmon, this article does not present information from different points of view because it does not refer to any possible problems of soy consumption. It hides behind the Food and Drug administration findings (are they really unbiased?) and in a misleasding way want you to think that the American Heart foundation is pushing soy products when it is very the companies that the reporter refers to. This is not balance.
Soy contains phytic acid, which will inhibit some iron absorption. This can be a problem for infants in developing countries, but is a pretty insignificant factor for other populations. In a country like the US, people with hypothyroid disorders, soy allegies and iron deficiency anemia may need to be cautious about their consumption of soy. Also, supplementing iron intake with vitamin C makes up for most of the phytic acid inhibition according to studies I have read, so a person who needs to take iron for their anemia would do well to add vitamin C and consume soy if they choose.
There are also several studies that demonstrate the health benefits of soy for men and their cardiovascular systems, and women with hormonal issues.
You should have mentioned that the American Heart Association issued a Science Advisory on Feb 21st of this year that concluded soy foods themselves have little or no benefit in preventing heart disease and that their value lies instead in replacing high-fat animal foods.