Soy Questions & Answers
Recent Soy Health News Questions
Q: I heard that recent studies showed soy foods may not be really effective in treating heart disease. Is that true?
A: The recent study results do not in any way undermine the potential positive impact a well-balanced diet that includes soy foods may have on health. Substantial scientific research points toward soy protein-based foods as having a beneficial effect on health, promoting well-being, and helping to reduce disease risk, but no food is meant to replace medication in the treatment of disease.
The medical and nutrition communities, as well as government agencies, agree that a well-balanced diet has an essential role in promoting good health. While soy is not medicine, it is a nutrient-rich food that can be an important part of a balanced diet. Soy milk is lactose-free, dairy-free and cholesterol-free. It is also a good source of high-quality protein and provides many of the same nutrients found in milk, including calcium, vitamin D, riboflavin, zinc and vitamin B12.
Q: Do these new studies mean the FDA health claim for soy as a heart-healthy food is false?
A: No. In 1999, the FDA issued a health claim for soy and its role in promoting cardiovascular health. After analyzing the available data, the FDA found significant scientific consensus that soy reduces blood cholesterol and coronary risk in the general population. Consuming 25 grams of soy protein per day, as part of a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
The FDA authorizes health claims for substances that lower the risk and prevent a disease in the general, healthy population, based on significant scientific consensus.
Q: Lately there seems to be conflicting information about the benefits of soy. How do I know which information is correct?
A: The medical and nutrition communities, as well as government agencies, agree that a well-balanced diet has an essential role in promoting good health. Furthermore, research suggests that when soy is eaten as part of a healthy diet it can have a beneficial effect on health, promote well-being and reduce disease risk.
The science and research communities continue to study the potential health benefits of soy consumption. In fact, there is intriguing evidence suggesting that when integrated into a balanced diet, consuming soy may also help:
- Reduce the risks of certain types of cancer
- Promote strong bones
- Alleviate the symptoms of menopause
Q: Is all soy milk made the same way?
A: No. Silk, the nation’s leading brand of soy milk, is made with 100% natural whole soy beans. This is a real plus for consumers interested in eating whole foods and a big point of difference between Silk and some other soy milks on the market today. The nutrition community agrees that consuming natural, whole, unprocessed foods is the best way to get all of the nutrients you need. All Silk Soymilk varieties start from whole soy beans and do not contain genetically modified organisms (GMOs), artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives.
More Questions About Soy
By Janice Newell Bissex, MS, RD, author of The Moms' Guide to Meal Makeovers
Question #1
Q: Soy milk seems to be increasing in popularity and availability these days. Are there health benefits to drinking soy milk?
A: In a word, yes. Soy-based foods, including soy milk, have a pretty impressive health resume. Research suggests that soy consumption may decrease the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis, and some cancers.
Question #2
Q: What are the benefits of soy consumption for the heart?
A: Soy protein has been shown to moderately reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels and may lower blood pressure as well. Research on the heart-healthy benefits of soy is so convincing that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows soy food companies to carry a health claim on their labels advising consumers of the cardiovascular benefits of eating soy protein as part of a healthy diet.
Question #3
Q: How much soy protein needs to be consumed on a daily basis to have benefits?
A: The FDA has determined that the greatest cardiovascular benefits occur with consumption of 25 grams of soy protein a day. To put that number in perspective a cup of soy milk has 5-7 grams of soy protein, about the same as 3 ounces of tofu. For a product to carry the health claim on the label, it must contain at least 6.25g soy protein per serving.
Question #4
Q: Can people with dietary restrictions drink soy milk?
A: Soy milk is a perfect beverage for those who have a dairy allergy or are lactose intolerant. Silk® Soymilk is dairy and lactose free, in addition to being vegan safe, kosher-DE and gluten-free.
Question #5
Q: Does soy consumption decrease the risk of cancer?
A: Studies show that populations who consume soy foods on a regular basis have lower rates of certain cancers including breast, prostate, colon, and endometrial cancers. In fact, in Japan and China where soy foods are a staple of the diet, breast cancer rates are just one-fifth of those in the Western world.
Question #6
Q: What are isoflavones and why are they important?
A: Isoflavones, also known as phytoestrogens, may be responsible for some of soy’s anti-carcinogenic properties. Isoflavones bind to estrogen receptors and are thought to possibly block some of the detrimental effects of estrogen including the promotion of cancer cell growth. Isoflavones may also play a role in reducing hot flashes in some post-menopausal women.
Question #7
Q: Is the calcium found in dairy milk the same as the calcium in soy milk? Is the calcium absorption the same?
A: Fortified soy milk is a great source of calcium, a mineral needed for normal bone growth and maintenance. In fact, Silk Soymilk contains just as much calcium as cow’s milk: 300 milligrams per 8-ounce glass. Interestingly, a recent study reported in the Journal of Nutrition found that soy milk fortified with calcium carbonate, such as Silk Soymilk, provided calcium as absorbable as that found in cow’s milk.
Question #8
Q: Besides being a great source of calcium, does soy protect bones in any other way?
A: Yes, in addition to being a great source of absorbable calcium, the protein in soy products improves the retention of calcium within bones. This helps to build bone mass and lower the risk of osteoporosis.
Question #9
Q: Are there other benefits to consuming soy products?
A: Promising research on the health benefits of soy continues to mount. Potential improvements in renal function and diabetes management are just two areas being investigated. Given what experts know today, many encourage individuals to include soy foods in their daily diets. Silk Soymilk, with flavors including Very Vanilla, Mocha, Chai and Chocolate, can help meet this goal in a delicious way.
Question #10
Q: Is soy a source of fiber?
A: Yes, fiber is found in plant foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. Some foods containing high levels of soluble fiber are dried beans, oats, barley, and some fruits, notably apples and citrus, and vegetables, such as potatoes. Silk Soymilk has fiber and Silk Plus Fiber has five times the amount in the same size serving of Silk Soymilk.
Question #11
Q: Does soy provide omega-3 fatty acids?
A: Yes. Whole soy foods are a good source of fiber, B vitamins, calcium, and omega-3 essential fatty acids, all important food components. Silk Soymilk is made from whole soy beans and Silk Plus Omega-3 DHA has additional 100% vegetarian omega-3 DHA.