So Far - Soy Good!

from USC Health Magazine - by Alicia Di Rado

When the soybean was first introduced to the United States in the 19th century, it occupied a special place: as an ornamental plant in the garden.
Times have changed.
Today, the bountiful bean not only provides protein-filled food for millions, but it is used to make a vast array of consumer goods, from crayons to car parts.
And that is not all. Researchers at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and other institutions are exploring soy’s potential to boost health.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is sponsoring a clinical trial at the Keck School that explores the health effects of soy in postmenopausal women. Funded at $7.5 million for 21 years, the trial will examine whether soy can influence cardiovascular health, bone strength, thinking and memory, menopausal symptoms, breast density, as a marker of breast cancer risk, and other issues related to a woman’s wellbeing.
Howard N. Hodis, M.D., professor of medicine and preventive medicine at the Keck School, is principal investigator of the new Women’s Isoflavone Soy Health, or WISH, trial, which is supported by the NIH’s National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
"This is the first randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled long-term study on soy protein isoflavones and vascular disease and other postmenopausal health-related issues," says Hodis, director of the USC Atherosclerosis Research Unit. "We’re very fortunate to be selected to do this trial."
It makes sense that the NIH selected the USC Atherosclerosis Research Unit to stage the much-needed project. Building on a rich history of steady research contributions in the field of cardiovascular disease prevention and women’s health issues, the atherosclerosis team is focusing on reducing atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women through alternatives to current hormone therapy.
Millions of women have taken hormone replacement therapy (HRT), a combination of estrogen and progestin, to ease symptoms of menopause. Over the last several years, however, highly publicized trials such as the Women’s Health Initiative, and the way data from those trials have been widely interpreted—or misinterpreted, Hodis says—have made many women shun HRT altogether.
As a result, researchers have begun looking for ways to promote good health among postmenopausal women without using traditional HRT. Soy might be a candidate, but without conducting careful studies, physicians cannot know for certain.
"On the heels of the controversies surrounding HRT, there really is probably no other alternative available for women looking for postmenopausal comfort and health," says Hodis, who also is professor of molecular pharmacology and toxicology at the USC School of Pharmacy. Clearly, research on soy’s effects is important for women’s future welfare.

Fast Facts!

Soybeans are an amazingly versatile crop, providing oil, carboydrates and protein. The protein content is around 40%, oil aproximately 20% and 35% of a soybean is carbohydrate.

Soybeans can grow in a wide range of soil and as they are a legume, can help restore nitrogen levels to nitrogen depleted earth.

• A food in their own right
• Meat replacement as in Tofu
• Dairy replacement - soy milk and cheese
• Biofuel as a replacement for crude oil
• Stock feed
• Candles
• Soaps
• Cooking oil
• Flour
• Butter (like peanut butter)
• Ice cream
• Chips
• Cosmetics
• Resins
• Plastics
• Inks
• Clothing
• Vodka

Good Food for Thought

15 Minute Gaszpacho (Serves 4)

Directions:

1. Use only fresh ingredients (preferably organic)
2. Chop and conbime all ingredents into large bowl
3. Chill for 2-3 hours and serve cold

Serving Suggestions:
You can puree and serve as a thick broth, but chunky vegetables will make you smile. Great for a healthy summer snack or meal.

If you would like to contribute a recipe to this newsletter, please email it to info@poiesishealth.com

Enjoy!

FYI

Soybean Trivia

• One acre of soybeans can produce 82,368 crayons.
• Soybean oil is the most widely used vegetable oil. It is found in margarines, salad dressings, canned foods, sauces, bakery goods, and processed fried foods.
• Soy protein is the only plant protein that contains all 8 essential amino acids and is considered a complete protein.
• The United States grows almost 40% of the soybeans produced in the world.
• Soybeans grow in pods similar to peas.
• Soy sauce is a salty, savory sauce made from fermented soybeans, wheat, yeast, and salt.
• Soybeans contain a compound called genistein that is found only in soybeans. Researchers have discovered that genistein inhibits blood vessel development, inhibiting the growth of tumors.
• Prang Fun Pro crayons are made from soybeans. These crayons are 85% soybean oil.
• Farmers in more than 29 states grow soybeans.

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The Dangers of proceccessed Meat!

from Naturalnews.com

Have you ever wondered why the consumption of processed meats is so strongly linked to cancers of the colon, breast, prostate and pancreas? The evidence continues to mount, as demonstrated by a recent study showing a 67% increase in pancreatic cancer for people consuming moderate amounts of processed meat on a frequent basis. Read more <here>

Sugar: What Kinds to Eat and When

By Joseph Wuebben and Mike Carlson

It's been two years since Russ started to get his diet in shape. Slowly but surely he cut out the late-night pizzas, the morning doughnuts and the evening drive-thru. It wasn't easy, but the weight came flying off. To a point. Then, no matter how miserly he became toward fat grams, he still couldn't get that lean, chiseled look. As he cracked his third Mountain Dew of the day-congratulating himself because it's fat-free-he began to think that he would never get the six-pack of his dreams.

Unless you've got a Ph.D. in biochemistry, you're probably exhausted from the endless debate surrounding sugar. And if your info has come largely from television, you're hopelessly confused. Treading that fine white line demands some balance. If you eat too little, you don't have the energy to work out; too much, and you get fat. It's really a simple matter of figuring out what kinds of sugar to eat and when, in order to lose weight, build muscle and protect your health.

To read the full article, click <here>

Be sure to visit our website for more nutritional information to help you live healthier, happier, and longer!

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