Hello and

today we're talking about

I'm your host Monica Reinagle and today we're talking about soy.

Now soy is one of those foods that seems to have an

equal number of equally ardent proponents and detractors. Proponents taut soy is

helping to prevent osteoporosis, heart disease, even hot flashes.

Detractors, on the other hand, warned that Soy might bring on early puberty, feminize men, damage or thyroid, and prevent nutrient absorption.

So today we're going to take a look at the claims on both sides of the soy debate, as well

as questions about the healthiest types of soy.

And at the end of the episode, I'll have some recommendations for you on including soy in your

diet.

Soybeans are a member of the legume family and all legumes are good sources of plant-based protein as well as fiber.

But soybeans have some unique qualities that elevate them above other beans.

Unlike most plant-based protein sources,

soy is a complete protein containing all nine of the essential amino acids.

Soybeans are also particularly rich in isoflavons.

These are compounds with a variety of biological effects and many of the health

claims that you see for soy are centered around these isoflavons.

Another thing that sets soy apart from other beans is the following FDA approved

health claim. Diets that include 25 grams of soy protein a day and are also

low in fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease. However, this claim

has recently come under scrutiny.

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