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Soy is in, it’s hot, it’s healthy and our customers want it NOW! At the seminar sponsored by the Protein Technologies International, over 500 nutritionists, foodservice and health professionals sampled Texas barbecue soy nuggets, soy-fortified pancakes and tofu smoothies. Dubbed the "human bean", soy is appearing on more and more menus as a meat and dairy alternate.

James W. Anderson, MD presented a session at the ADA Food and Nutrition Convention, October, 2000, "Soy Protein Decreases Risk for Heart and Kidney Disease concluding with the following. Regular intake of soy protein and its isoflavones has important protective effects against CHD. Soy foods improve the serum lipid profile, provide antioxidants, lower the inflammatory response, decrease blood clotting, and promote healthy blood vessel function. Emerging research suggests that soy protein compared to animal protein decreases hyperfiltration and proteinuria in diabetic individuals and may decrease risk or slow progression of renal disease. With that I think soy products is a trend not a fad.

Nutrition During and After Cancer Treatment: A guide for Informed Choices by Cancer Survivors (draft, 9/25/2000) by the American Cancer Society Workshop on Nutrition and Physical Activity for Cancer Survivors was presented at the ADA Food and Nutrition Conference and Exhibition 2000, October 17, 2000, Denver, Colorado. In the section about skill-building for survivors, advice about making informed choices consumers are told only with informed choice can survivors ensure that they are comfortable with the decisions that have been made and create the understanding and support from others regarding these decisions. Armed with good information survivors can fully assess whether or not any particular choice will assist in meeting their objective. On the question "should I take soy supplements?" the workgroup’s response was that, although soy is a good source of protein, taking large amounts of soy protein as found in soy pills or powders, could have effects on cancer risk that are as yet not certain. Phytochemicals, naturally-occurring plant chemicals (bioflavones) that are present in soy, may effect the way cancer cells grow. While there is reason to believe that these affects might be beneficial especially, for prostrate cancer, there is also a possibility that high doses of soy might act in the same way as estrogen’s to increase the growth of estrogen-responsive cancers such as breast or endometrial cancers.

Silk Soy Milk

In the fall of 1999 FDA released a health claim on soy products ability to reduce the risk of heart disease with in the context of a low saturated fat and low cholesterol diet. In the hall mark study by Anderson et al, the research from 38 clinical studies was combined, resulting in the conclusion that a minimum of 25 grams soy protein daily reduces total serum cholesterol (9.3%), LDL cholesterol (12.9%) and triglyceride (10.5%). This soy protein

Health claim did not include the role of soy isoflavone. Some studies have shown antioxidant activity and ability to lower blood pressure by isoflavones in soy.

From a practitioner’s point of view, recommending a soyfood diet in conjunction with or in replacement of animal protein in the NCEP Step diet is expected to bring positive results for patients. How can we facilitate behavior change in integrating soyfoods into our client’s diet?

I have sampled several products so I feel confident in advising clients about those choices. For example, Westsoy nonfat non dairy Soy Beverage by Westbrae Natural is delicious (vanilla flavor) by the glass, on cereal, over fruit, in smoothies. 80 calories/cup, RDI for calcium 20%, Vit A 10%, Vit D 25% and iron 4%.

Whitewave introduced a holiday nog (organic) Silknog made with soy milk that has the same silk smooth taste of their line of soy milk and cultured soy (like yogurt).

Veggie milk is a creamy, delicious alternative to animal milk made by blending some of nature’s most wholesome foods--soy, rice, oats and provides more protein, calcium, iron, vitamins A, B, C, D, E, Folic acid, soluble fiber and unsaturated fats. Making a smoothy with fortified orange juice further boosts the calcium, folic acid and vitamin C.

The next International Soy Symposium in November 2001, San Diago will be looking at the effects of soybean processing on efficacy and merits of isolated soybean components.

However, there may be concern with product advertising that leads the consumer to believe soy beverages are superior to milk. Some soymilk products have less protein and calcium than cows milk. Check the label.

R. D. Heaney, et al reported calcium from intrinsically labeled soy milk was absorbed only 75% as efficiently as calcium from cows milk. But 1/2 cup tofu has 250 mg calcium.

And what about soy for menopause? Consumers Magazines Digest sited an article in Shape (p 92) by Mindy Hermann, RD, "Soy Backlash", expressing concern some experts think we may have jumped on the soybean wagon too soon. In two recent studies, neither of the groups of women who took soy tablets or powdered supplements experienced any relief from hot flashes and one British study found ground textured soy protein stimulated breast cell growth in pre-menopausal women. There are hints from animal studies high doses of soy isoflavins can be dangerous when taken in concentrated forms. So use of food sources seems best for now.

Boca Burger

I am a believer in stickers and coupons ($1) which were given out at this exhibit. The 3.5 ounce Burger was strikingly like the ‘real thing’ in appearance and texture. The taste was superb. Easy and quick to prepare it contains 120 calories, 0 fat, 18 grams protein and 6 gram fiber.Tammy, the representative stated this is not a fad.

The Soy Connection (1-800-825-5769) presented Mark Messina, PhD reporting the FDA approved the health claim for the cholesterol-lowering properties of soy products with at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving. Four servings provides the 25 grams shown to be effective. The following foods contain 30-50 mg isoflavones and 6.25 grams soy protein: 1/2 c cooked soybeans, 1/4 c roasted soy butter, 1/4 c roasted soy nuts, 1/2 c soy flour, 1/4 c soy grits, 1/2 c firm tofu, 1 c soy milk, 1/2 c cooked TVP(textured vegetable protein) and 1/2 c tempeh. There is no isoflavones in soy oil or sauce.

Carol Coughlin, RD in " Real Men Eat Tofu", points out that 9% lowered cholesterol translates into a 27% lower risk for heart attack. She urges guys to try meatless sausage, bacon. hotdogs and burgers. They are excellent as I sampled it and have since bought it. Also soynuts, tofu and soy milk are ways this bean can benefit health.

Galaxy Vegetarian

Galaxy has taken the elements of Veggie Milk and created an entire product line of plant-based dairy foods, which are shelf stable and with no BST hormones or antibiotics. Bethany, the sales rep said they expect all the products to be in all supermarkets with in 3 years.

I tasted the Veggie Milk and cheese and they are fantastic. I put the milk on cereal and use it in any recipe needing milk. I learned there is a Veggie Culinary School by this creator of today’s Lifestyle foods with nature’s alternatives, "Galaxy Food’s Veggie". The company offers half day cooking programs for the community. Also, advanced courses for the Professional Chef to obtain the American Culinary Federation Certificate in Nutrition.

United SoyBean Board

Kim Galeaz, RD and Anne Patterson, RD, nutrition consultants at the Indiana Soybean Board informed me that 200 new soy products have been introduced this year by October. This exhibit provided store coupons of numerous products. They handed out a Consumer Attitudes about Nutrition, 2000-2001 National Report. Although there is a downward trend in the number of Americans changing their eating habits to improve health, reducing fat continues to be the top change. Sixty nine percent say they will pay more for healthier versions of foods. The board has a great Soy Food Guide Pyramid and a comprehensive Soyfoods guide. Of the recipes, I tested the Tomato Corn Chowder substituting kidney beans for the corn. It was quick, easy and very tasty.

Genisoy Products company provides educational materials for presentations by professionals including health data, recipes, and samples of soy protein bars, shakes, powders, and nuts.

SuproSoy is the brand name for the isolated soy protein used in Soy Serenity that boasts certification by guaranteed 60 mg isoflavones per serving. They target the market of consumers concerned with menopausal health and symptoms. Made by Nutrel Technologies, Inc. their product category index (number items) includes: shakes and beverages (30), food ingredient powders (4), nutrition bars and snacks (9), and meat and dairy alternatives (15). I have had Veggie Slices cheese, Tofu Pups and Smart dogs and they are all excellent.

Franklin Farms Veggieburgers can be crumbled into chilled seasoned rice for a main meal salad. The Soy Protein Primer by Jane Kerby, RD provides suggestions for even the tofu timid to incorporate more soy into their diets.