April, 2001

"Soylent Green Is People!" Some of you may remember "Soylent Green," the 1973 science fiction movie starring Charlton Heston that spelled out, frighteningly what might happen as a result of our need to find the 'perfect' food. However, there is nothing frightening about soy.

In October 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) added soy to its list of health-promoting foods, and announced that supplementing a low-fat diet with 25 grams of soy protein per day can reduce cholesterol. This also reduces risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, soy acts as a bone-builder and prevents osteoporosis. Soy can also suppress breast, colon and prostate cancer. There is more good news for women. Soy can even alleviate the hot flashes associated with menopause.

Recent studies in Japan have found that too much soy consumption can inhibit the thyroid, particularly in people prone to low thyroid. However, too much of anything can have an adverse effect. Soy, taken in moderate amounts, can be a healthy supplement to your diet. If you have been eating a soy-based diet for a long time, you most likely have built up a tolerance.

Increase your intake of soy using our soy milk maker and some of our soy recipes!