The word "soy" in The Oxford American Desk Dictionary and Thesaurus, Second Edition, means "a leguminous plant, cultivated for the edible oil and flour it yields, and used as a replacement for animal protein in certain foods." What a boring definition for such a not so new nutritional masterpiece. Let me explain.

The American Heart Association and the FDA joined forces in 1999, and after over two years of research announced that following the recommended foods with soy protein may reduce the risk of heart disease. Of course, they also recommend that you lower your intake of saturated fat and cholesterol as well. Many of the prescription drugs designated to aide heart health can be destructive to different organs in the body such as the liver. This is know from a close family member who must take prescription-cholesterol medicine and must have their liver checked every four to six weeks. Soy is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease naturally.

What other benefits does Soy provide, well, let me name just a few:

• Soy has been widely studied for supporting overall well-being during menopause;
• Studies have shown that Soy supports healthy bone mass; and
• It has also been discovered that Soy can protect your body from accumulating unwanted fat cells.

There are numerous benefits to have a high soy daily diet, but lets take each one of the above-statements one at a time to be explained in more detail.

During menopause soy has been proven once again by the American Heart Association and the FDA that with the increase of soy in the daily diet menopause symptoms are diminished and even for younger ladies can help reduce the symptoms of PMS and other menstrual problems, such as hot flashes, and mood swings. Soy protein is actually suggested for preimenopause, menopausal and postmenopausal times.

When the pre and menopausal years set in women lose estrogen from their bodies therefore making their bones more brittle and the likelihood of osteoporosis setting in increases. With the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy ("HRT") side effects have shown to be breast cancer and blood clots to name a few. Since studies have shown that soy protein supports healthy bone mass there are no known or proven side effects from using soy protein. From a study done in Japan on over 500 women in postmenopause. Those that added more soy to their daily diets had thicker and stronger bones and joints. Additional benefits regarding the increase of bone mass can be located in the Obstetrics and Gynecology journal (2001Jan. 97)

Lastly, it was amazing to find out that by using soy protein daily, approximately 100 to 160 milligrams of soy, unwanted fat cells are not allowed to accumulate in the body. This is an advantage for men as well as women. Soy is low in calories and cholesterol so when you decrease the sugar intake it causes a decrease in fat cells. Soy can be said to be a natural appetite suppressant too.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Q: How much soy should I have daily?
A: To receive the highest benefit from soy protein you should digest 100 to 160 milligrams of soy per day, which boils down to thee to six servings of soy foods such as soy milk.

2. Q: Is soy protein safe?
A: There has not been any report of soy being unsafe for any reason.

3. Q: Why should I add soy to my daily diet?
A: This has been answered in previous paragraphs.

4. Q: Should I take a soy product with a meal?
A: Since soy is a natural product, it is not necessary to take before or with a meal.

5. Q: How can I locate good soy foods and supplements?
A: There are two companies I will recommend here. The first company has been performing research on soy protein for well over five years has over seven patents on its own soy products and ranked as the #1 Doctor-recommended soy product. They also offer a soy newsletter. Do your own research about this company. Company: Revival Soy Web Address: http://www.revivalsoy.com

The second company has been in the supplement business for over 40 years and actually grows and harvests its own foundational ingredients and performs research and manufactures all of its own products and has just stepped into the manufacturing of a soy supplement, but offers many other soy products, such as food bars, drinks, cereal with soy, peanut butter, soy infant formula to name a few. This one offers a business opportunity as well. Do your own research about this company. Company: Alticor Web Address: http://www.alticor.com IBO: 2591450

6. Q: Is soy protein better for men or women?
A: Soy is a good source of protein for both men and women. It is widely recognized for women’s use simply because it assist women in many areas such as menopause, vaginal dryness, breast cancer, hair and nail health, tighter/smoother skin, PMS, bone loss, etc.. But, it is very beneficial to men in cases of energy loss, sexual drive, heart healthy, bone mass, hair health and weight loss.