October 26, 1999 - The FDA makes a new health claim! "25 grams of Soy Protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease."

* Contains Isoflavones, phyto (plant based) estrogens. These Isoflavones are also antioxidants and found only in soy. Just a 1/2 cup serving of Seapoint Farms Edamame contains 35mg of Isoflavones (a recommended serving to obtain the benefits of soy is 25 to 40mg per day).
* Contains antioxidants, compounds that protect cells from damage caused by unstable oxygen molecules.
* Are rich in natural beta carotene, which converts to vitamin A in the body.
* Contains peptides (chains of amino acids), which has shown to boost the immune system, helping the
body fight disease.

* Contains no trans fats

Health researchers have long noted that Asian countries, where soyfoods have been a staple part of the diet for centuries, show lower rates of heart disease, breast cancer and menopausal symptoms than the US.

A multi-study analysis published in the New England Journal of Medicine (August 3, 1995) concluded that soy protein reduces serum cholesterol in people with moderately high to high cholesterol. A consumption of 47 grams of soy protein per day lowered total cholesterol by 9% in the moderately high group and 20% in the high group. Even better, soy protein lowered the LDL or "bad" cholesterol but not the HDL or "good" cholesterol. Heart disease is the leading cause of death among American women.

Research performed at the University of Illinois and Monash Medical in Australia showed that consumption of soyfoods over a six-month period increased bone density. Soy's estrogenic effect may be the responsible factor for this claim.

Women with high levels of vitamin A show a reduction in breast malignancies, "hot flashes," and "night sweats," compared to women with lower vitamin A intake. Studies have shown menopause symptoms are almost immediately responsive to isoflavones, often within weeks of beginning soy protein consumption.

Women aren't the only beneficiaries of soy isoflavones. These remarkable nutrients may also reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men. Japanese men consume substantially more soy than Western men do, and their blood levels of isoflavones are up to 110 times richer in these nutrients. Studies show that genistein inhibits the growth of tumors dependent on male hormones.. According to Herman Adlercreutz, MD, of the University of Helsinki, Finland, the high lifelong isoflavone levels found in Japanese men may account for their relatively low risk of death from prostate cancer. How do isoflavones help men? According to Wing-Ming Keung, Ph.D., of the Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, these nutrients inhibit the activity of enzymes involved in the breakdown of steroid hormones, including testosterone.