Soy story

The little soybean has been making big headlines since the New England Journal of Medicine reported it lowers cholesterol, protects against heart disease and certain cancers, and relieves symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis. The American Heart Association (AHA) has added soy to its recommended dietary guidelines. And with the surge of new soy products on the market, widely available at most supermarkets, it's no wonder an estimated 26 million Americans are eating more soy.

Heart disease is the nation's number one killer, claiming more than 2,600 lives per day, according to AHA. Health care costs related to heart disease exceed $120 billion annually, making it the largest disease-related cost in America, according to the University of Kentucky's James Anderson Ph.D., a member of the Metabolic Research Group. Anderson, a leading researcher of the benefits of soy protein, has conducted several studies at the Virginia Medical Center in Lexington, Kentucky.

Anderson's studies on soy, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, conclude "eating so in place of animal protein lowers high cholesterol, which may reduce one's risk of heart disease by 10 to 20%." Anderson believes 20 grams of soy a day, substituted for animal protein, could be enough to help those who need to lower their cholesterol.

Experts agree. "My patients feel better than ever," says Richard Collins, director of the Heart Institute in Omaha, Nebraska, who prescribes soy foods for heart disease. "Some have reversed their heart disease and even lost weight."

Anderson's studies found nations consuming high amounts of soy products had far fewer incidents of coronary heart disease than those who didn't. This may explain why the Japanese, the world's largest consumers of soybeans, have low mortality rates.

Research on soy's role in reducing menopausal symptoms was revealed last year at the Second Annual Soy Symposium in Belgium. In one study, 40% of women who were given two doses of soy isoflavons a day experienced significant reductions in hot flashes, according to John Eden, Ph.D., M.D., a soy researcher from Australia. Soy isoflavons contain phytoestrogen, the plant form of the female hormone estrogen, widely used to treat menopausal symptoms. Studies suggest phytoestrogen affects the body in the same way human estrogen does, although it is not as potent. Soy isoflavons are also believed to deter osteoporosis by inhibiting bone breakdown and stimulating bone formation, according to a study conducted by the University of Illinois.

Soy isoflavons are loaded with a natural chemical called genistein. This is a powerful antioxidant that keeps healthy cells from turning cancerous by blocking the key enzymes required for tumor cells to grow. Experts suggest there is enough genistein in soy foods that one serving a day, like a glass of soy milk or half cup of firm tofu, could substantially reduce the risk of cancer. Soy's role in preventing cancer is so promising the National Cancer Institute is investing millions of dollars to further research.

Soybeans contain all eight essential amino acids, are rich in B vitamins, and are the only bean recognized as a complete protein. Sources of soy protein include tofu, tempeh, soy milk and miso. There is also an abundance of convenient new soy products on the market such as soy burgers, hot dogs, ice cream, cheese and yogurts.

Collins, who recently released the "Soy Healthy Cooking" video, not only prescribes soy to his patients, but shows them how to make great tasting meals with it. He teaches cooking seminars to doctors, patients and others interested in living heart healthy. After explaining the importance of eating soy, Collins shows how to easily add it to the diet. He demonstrates several healthy recipes like soy-based versions of Caesar salad, burgers, pastas, pizza and even chocolate cake. But these great tasting foods won't clog any arteries. He also takes the mystery out of shopping for soy foods by talking about the many different products available and where to purchase them.

Cheese/Spinach Stuffed Manicotti with Tofu

12   manicotti shells
1    cup ricotta cheese, fat free
1    package tofu, extra firm
1    package frozen spinach, chopped
4    tablespoons onions, chopped fine
1    26 oz. jar pasta sauce

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