Dr. Verma-Dzik is the owner and founder of Ridgefield-based Fairfield Naturopathic Health. A board-certified Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Verma is also a certified medical acupuncturist who practices holistic medicine in the treatment of acute and chronic health conditions.
In this week’s segment, Dr. Verma talks about a popular protein derived from soybeans: SOY.
Soy has become one of the most popular foods you can buy in the health food store, yet there is a great deal of confusion as to whether or not soy should be part of our daily diets.
Let’s talk soy benefits
Soy is a great source of protein and provides heart-healthy benefits. Soy decreases bad cholesterol and helps the body produce nitric oxide, contributing to the health of blood vessels and blood pressure. Along with being high in B vitamins, soy is also high in calcium, which is one of the key minerals responsible for the health of our bones. Components of soy function as antioxidants, providing benefits to our immunity and cognitive health.
Experiencing menopausal hot flashes? Because soy is a natural, dietary source of estrogen with weak estrogen-like activity, studies show that it helps alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, and perimenopause, including irregular periods, fatigue, mood swings, and decreased libido.
Soy and breast cancer
In a recent study published by Dr. Zhang in the journal Cancer, it was found that women diagnosed with certain types of breast cancer who consumed soy experienced a decreased risk in mortality. There was no difference exhibited amongst women who ate more or less amounts of soy. For women who had estrogen positive (ER+) and progesterone positive (PR+) breast cancer, although there was no decrease in mortality, soy did not cause any harm. In this study, it was further discovered that women who were diagnosed with ER- and PR- breast cancers, which are not hormone driven, exhibited the most decrease in mortality. Even according to the American Cancer Society, more evidence is emerging where soy can be beneficial in decreasing the risk of breast, prostate, endometrial cancers and others. Of course, cancer is a constant area of research where more information is discovered.
Exercise caution consuming soy if...
It is advised that if you have a thyroid condition, you should wait a few hours after taking your thyroid medication to consume soy so that it does not interfere with the absorption of the medication.
You best “soy” bet
Choose foods that are pure, unprocessed forms of soy like tofu, tempeh, edamame, miso and whole bean soy milk without added sweeteners and preservatives. Avoid processed and genetically modified soy foods, such as hydrolyzed soy and soy protein isolates, which are common ingredients in protein bars and shakes, and vegan “meats.”
Overall, when it comes to your health, focus on consuming a well-balanced, whole foods diet. Consume soy in moderation, eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean protein. A healthy lifestyle will help lead to a long, healthy life!
Fairfield Naturopathic Health is located at 20 Prospect Street inside Susi Laura Massage in Ridgefield. Learn more about Dr. Verma and Fairfield Naturopathic Health here.