Soy and a healthy diet

There are many benefits my eating soy products, but there are also some risks when it comes to eating soy products. Soy is an excellent source of dietary fiber and protein; it is also rich in vitamin B6 which is important in building amino acids. Soy is also rich in isoflavones, which are plant hormones that have been linked to several health benefits. Isoflavones may help prevent bone loss, lowering the risk of osteoporosis. A soy diet may also play a role in the reduced incidence of menopausal symptoms in Asian women. It may one day replace the use conventional estrogen-replacement therapy. Isoflavones may also reduce the rates of certain types of cancer. Men and women who have eaten soy over an extended period of time reduced their LDL, or “bad” cholesterol.
There are also some drawbacks to soy products. Some people complain that at the first bite it tastes to “beany”. There may soon be soy-based yogurt, pudding, and hot-dogs along with the already soy burgers and soy milk. There are some health problems with soy products like food allergies. Soy is one of eight foods most commonly associated with food allergies in children. There is also concern that eating large amounts of soy can affect thyroid function. There is over 20,000 times the amount of soy in soy-based infant formulas than is found in breast milk. I think that like any food, soy would be a benefit in moderation. There are some health risks, but there are also many benefits. I think as long as you do not consume to many soy products if would be a benefit to you.