Why include soy in your diet? According to the Food and Drug
Administration, consumption of 25 grams of soy protein daily
may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and recent
research suggests other benefits.
Recent
animal experiments provide evidence that soy can also influence
bone density, although the authors of this study from the
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition believe they
are the first to examine this potential association in women
nearing menopause. Sixty-nine women were randomly assigned
to receive soy protein isolate or whey protein for 24 weeks,
and bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC)
were measured before and after treatment.
Results: Bone loss was observed in the control group
but not in the soy group. The authors note that these results
could translate into a decreased lifetime risk of osteoporosis,
and suggest that soy supplementation could prove an effective
alternative for hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal
women.
Soy milk, soy cheese, soy burgers and tofu are popular soy
products, but the most convenient source may be soy protein
isolate, a powder that can be mixed into drinks or combined
with different foods. Your doctor of chiropractic can provide
you with more information on soy and other foods key to a
healthy diet and lifestyle.
Reference:
Alekel DL, St. Germain A, Peterson CT, et al. Isoflavone-rich
soy protein isolate attenuates bone loss in the lumbar spine
of perimenopausal women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
2000: Vol. 72, pp844-52.
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