Tofu Kit | Tofu Master

Soya - Healthly Versatile Product

In China, the Soya bean has been cultivated and used in different ways for thousands of years. Soya was considered as one of the five holy crops, besides rice, wheat, barley and millet. Soya beans are very versatile: Soya beans can be used as whole Soya beans, Soya sprouts, or processed as Soya milk, Tofu, Tempeh, Soya sauce or Mis. Soya is also used as an ingredient for non-food products, such as soy candles and biodiesel. Soya candles are becoming more popular because they burn longer and healthier.

Soya is very important for vegetarians and vegans. Soya has a high quality protein content because it contains all the essential amino acids. The amino acids of Soya combine very well with the amino acids of cereals. The Soya protein is therefore very important for vegans. Soya is also a good source of Lecithin and vitamin E. These natural antioxidants prevent oxidation of LDL cholesterol. Soya is rich in Magnesium, which plays an important function for the bones, heart and arteries. Soya is rich in vitamins, minerals and fibres.

Benefits of Soya

There is no denying that soya has many health benefits. These health benefits are mainly coming form the quality of the Soya proteins and form the Isoflavones, Genistein and Daidzein.

Soya improves bone health

Soya products, such as Soya milk, do not contain a lot of calcium but the Soya Isoflavones may help to reduce the Osteoporosis risk. Several studies have suggested that Soya Isoflavones may be a factor in helping to prevent bone loss. The Isoflavone Genistein seems to inhibit bone breakdown and may have similar effects to oestrogen in maintaining bone tissue.

Soya can also indirectly improve bone health. Diets, which are high in animal protein, cause more calcium to be excreted in the urine. Replacing animal protein with soy protein may help to prevent calcium loss from the bones. Soya relieves menopausal symptoms. Epidemiological data show that Asian women suffer less from hot flushes and night sweats compared to Western women. These symptoms of menopause are caused by low oestrogen levels. Oestrogen plays a role in the body temperature control. Soya isoflavones can through their oestrogen-like effect control these menopausal symptoms.

Prevention of kidney disease

Nearly one-third of all diabetics will develop kidney disease. Research has shown that eating soy protein instead of animal protein may be effective in prevention and treatment. Animal protein increases the workload of the kidneys, so many people are put on a low-protein diet. Now, many health care practitioners recommend that those with diabetes at risk for developing kidney disease substitute Soya protein for animal protein. Soya is a complete protein that provides all the essential amino acids.

Soya reduces risk for heart diseases

In countries where Soya products are ingested regularly, the rates of cardiovascular diseases are low. Research suggests that Soya may help to prevent heart disease by reducing total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and preventing plaque buildup in the arteries, which could lead to stroke or heart attack. These health benefits are also mainly attributes to the Soya isoflavones. The Soya Isoflavone Genistein may also increase the flexibility of blood vessels.

Decrease your risk of developing heart disease

People with Diabetes are 2 to 4 times more likely to have heart disease, according to the American Diabetes Association. The FDA and American Heart Association agree that a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol that includes 25 grams of Soya protein per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. Soya protein, when consumed as part of a low fat diet, can reduce elevated cholesterol levels and may impede the formation of blood clots as well as decreasing arteriosclerosis. Do your body a favour. Add soy to your diet. What are you waiting for?

Soya helps to prevent certain cancers

Several studies have indicated that a regular intake of Soya foods may help to prevent hormone related cancers such as breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer.

Prostate Cancer

The prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system. It's a gland about the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis) and lies at the base of the bladder. This gland secretes about 25% of the seminal fluid that is combined with sperm during ejaculation. This prostatic fluid acts as a lubricant to prevent infection in the urethra and protects and energizes sperm. The prostate starts out very small, but grows significantly until a man is about twenty. The prostate doesn't grow again until after the age of 40 when hormonal changes begin to occur. Increased growth of the prostate can sometimes lead to health problems such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) - a benign enlargement of the prostate that causes uncomfortable symptoms - and possibly prostate cancer.

Since prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death for men over the age of 45, it's important to begin thinking about how to protect the health of your prostate now. Cancer prevention research has shown that the following steps can help prevent cancers of all kinds:

  • Eat lots of fruit and veggies.
  • Maintain a healthy weight and stay physically active.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation, if at all.
  • Eat foods low in fat and salt.
  • Do not use tobacco.

Additionally, men over the age of 45 should receive an annual prostate exam. Some dietary choices may also contribute to the prevention of prostate cancer.

Soya foods may prevent and/or slow the growth of prostate cancer. Some studies indicate that even one glass of Soya milk everyday is enough to provide your prostate with the protective benefits of soy.

Research has shown that Soya isoflavones (components of soy protein) inhibit the growth of cancer cells. (1) Soya may also prevent the proliferation of tumors. (2) In some test tube studies, isoflavones were also shown to increase the effectiveness of certain cancer drugs. (3) According to a study at Loma Linda University, men who consumed Soya milk at least once per day had a 70% reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.

Don't take chances with your prostate! Follow the steps to decreasing your risk for cancer and consider incorporating Soya into your diet.