Women are experiencing increasing levels of serious illness such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. And, with declining estrogen levels, women are finding it more difficult to maintain a trim figure. Hormonal imbalances are raising havoc with a women’s daily life, not just during menopause, but throughout adult life.

The Japanese are the thinn-

est, longest living people in the world and their diet is primarily soy and fish combined with a very

low intake of animal and dairy fat intake. New research has shown that soy, apart from being a low-calorie food, possesses unique weight reducing properties:

•    Soy can help decrease the amount of fat your body stores.

•    Soy can increase your muscle mass.

•    Soy increases the rate at which your fat cells burn stored fat.

•    Soy makes you feel full because it is a low-glycemic food that minimizes insulin fluctuations.

Reduces Cholesterol and

Lowers Risk of Heart Disease

•    Soy provides a healthy alternative to the statin drugs with their significant side effects.

Improves Breast &

Endometrial Health

•    Soy may lower the risk for both breast and endometrial cancers.

•    Soy lowers the level of estrogen which can reduce the risk of breast cancer and improve fibrocystic disease inflammation.

Reduce Menopausal Symptoms

•    Soy has naturally occurring phytoestrogens that can help reduce many of the unpleasant symptoms such as night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain, mood swings, insomnia, loss of libido and vaginal dryness.

•    Provide a much safer solution than hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

•    For women on HRT soy may protect breast and endometrial tissue from over stimulation and therefore lower risk of cancer of these tissues.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

•    Soy can help younger women manage PMS and other menstrual disturbances.

Other Health Benefits

Studies have shown positive benefits on bone, joints, hair, and skin and nail health. Also, benefit has been shown to memory and brain health. Others have reported improvement in energy, stamina and enhanced workouts.

Based on the soy consumption in Asian countries and recent research you should consume 3-6 servings of traditional soy foods per day for maximum benefit. If you can’t modify your diet enough to achieve this level, try soy based meal replacements. They provide the highest quality of soy protein and provide convenient and great tasting alternatives. Your goal is to have at least 25 grams of soy a day.