Be Good to your Heart -- Soyfoods Help Keep You Active

And Contrary to Myths, Soy is both Healthy and Safe

WASHINGTON, Feb. 14, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Soyfoods Association of North America today announced that it has released a video on the Benefits of Soyfoods for Active Adults demonstrating how soyfoods can help you stay fit and healthy.  Americans who are trying to lead healthier lives will find that soyfoods boost their energy, improve heart health, and provide antioxidants.

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Yes, Soyfoods are Safe

In the video, nutrition and fitness expert Rebecca Scritchfield, MA, RD, ACSM HFS shares her view that "stories in the media have some people confused over soy.  The truth is men, women and children can consume soyfoods safely."  In fact, not only are soyfoods safe, they provide important benefits to adults trying to stay active.  Scritchfield continues, "Soyfoods are good for your heart. The FDA has approved a health claim that states eating 25 grams of soy protein a day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease."  In addition, eating soyfoods, especially when begun at a young age, is showing benefits in breast cancer prevention.

Don't Let Menopause Slow You Down

Other recent claims about soy include doubts about its effect on hot flashes in menopause; but, Mindy S. Kurzer, Ph.D., Professor of Nutrition and Director of the Nutrition Graduate Program at the University of Minnesota, found[1] a 20.4 percent reduction in frequency of hot flashes and 29.5 percent reduction in severity in her 2008 meta-analysis of research on soy and menopausal symptoms. Taking into account the placebo effect, the results are even more impressive –  the frequency of hot flashes dropped by 48 percent and the severity dropped by 78 percent. Staying active and at a healthy weight during menopause can further help minimize symptoms.  A combination of soy and exercise can help women navigate the menopause years with more energy and fewer complaints.

Antioxidants in Soy Help Keep You Healthy

While the flu has hit hard this year, soyfoods also provide antioxidants to help ward off illness and let you stay active.  Beyond the common cold and flu, research shows that antioxidants such as those in soyfoods may help prevent more serious diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.  

Soyfoods are healthy and provide the high quality protein Americans need to maintain an active lifestyle.  For more information on soy for healthy living, please visit: http://www.soyfoods.org/nutrition-health/soy-for-healthy-living.  To see other videos in our Benefits of Soyfoods series, please go to http://www.youtube.com/user/soyfoodsassociation.

Link to Video on the Benefits of Soyfoods for Active Adults: http://tinyurl.com/bmysqpa

The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) is a non-profit trade association that has been promoting consumption of soyfoods in the diet since 1978. SANA is committed to encouraging sustainability, integrity and growth in the soyfoods industry by promoting the benefits and consumption of soy-based foods and ingredients in diets. More information is available at www.soyfoods.org.

[1] Kurzer, NS. Soy consumption for reduction of menopausal symptoms. Inflammopharmacology. 2008 Oct;16(5):227-9.

Contact: Nancy Chapman, RD, MPH, [email protected], +1-202-659-3520

SOURCE Soyfoods Association of North America