May, 2001

Hold the Soy Sauce

In our last article, we discussed the benefits of soybeans, including reduced risk of breast cancer, prostate cancer, heart disease and osteoporosis. However, this does not apply to all soy products. Soy sauce, a staple of Eastern cooking, is high in sodium. According to studies by the National Institutes of Health, a high-sodium diet contributes to high blood pressure. If you choose soy sauce, you should always choose a brand that is low in sodium. Many soy sauces, particularly those in organic or health food stores, are now low in sodium.

The Whole Soy Enchilada

In addition, soy comes in a variety of forms. Raw, whole organic soybeans, which are rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids, offer the best nutrition, as does four ounces of tofu, which contains 13 grams of whole soy protein. But according to the Food and Drug Administration, soy should ideally be added to a diet rich in whole grains, fruits and vegetables, fish, lean meats, and poultry. See the FDA's information on soy for more. You can also drink an eight-ounce glass of soy milk, such as the Soy Power Milk featured in our Recipe Section. Or, get yourself a soy milk maker and do it the easy way, every day!