Soy for Health Benefits

An Introduction

First produced in China around A.D. 25 – 220 for medical purposes, soy has been considered one of five sacred plants along with rice, barley, wheat and millet for centuries.

Today, soy products come in variety of form such as Soy Sauce, Tempeh, Miso and Natto. Others are Edamame, Soy Cheese, Soy Flour, Shoyu, Soy Nuts and the ever refreshing Soymilk.

Besides food, soy also being processed as fabrics, candles, paints, enamels, inks and soaps which made up from soybean derivatives and known for its quality.

The Health Benefits

Soy bean contains some compounds necessary to fight or suppress certain disease. The most powerful are Isoflavones named Genistein and Daidzen.

Heart Disease

• Soy beans contain soluble fiber that reacts with the absorption and metabolism of cholesterol, a common cause of cardiovascular disease.

• Genistein and Daidzein (also named phyoestrogens) known to be an agent reducing serum cholesterol levels.

Osteoporosis

• Soy proteins promote higher bone density; thus prevent menopausal women from osteoporosis.

• Daidzen act similar to Ipriflavone, a drug used to inhibit the bone breakdown while enhancing the body’s ability to remake bones hence significantly lower the risk of fracture.

Cancers

• Genistein suppress the growth and stimulation of cancer cells.

• Phytoestrogen is “anti-estrogens”, protecting women from developing breast cancer.

• Early age diet that includes soy products may inhibit the development of breast, colon and prostate cancers in the future.

Menopause

• Genistein and Daidzein balance the level of estrogen in the body thus preventing the symptoms of peri-menopause like hot flashes, night sweats, headaches, vaginal dryness and insomnia.

• For post-menopausal women, it lowers the risk of heart disease, osteoporosis and promotes longer life expectancy.

• During menopause, soy protein helps higher the bone density thus preventing osteoporosis.

Diabetes and Kidney Disease

• Soy regulates the carbohydrates breakdown into sugar in the body effectively.

• Soluble fiber found in the okara (soy bean grinds) enables glucose absorption into the bloodstream.

• Though soy is high in protein, a soy-based diet is still a good choice for diabetes control since it does not stimulate hyper filtration and proteinuria.

• Help lower the LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), make it effective in preventing kidney damage.

Eye Health

• Genistein protects against x-ray induced cataract.

• Act as radioprotectant when expose to ionizing radiation. This is helpful in cancer treatment, radiation contamination cleanup and space travel.

Lactose-intolerance

• Symptoms of lactose-intolerance are diarrhea, vomiting, gas and cramps.

• About 75% of the globe populations have lactose-intolerance.

• By ethnic, 75% of Africans and 90% of Asians have lactose-intolerance.

• Soymilk is lactose free compared to dairy milk.

Nutritional Value

• Soymilk contains almost the same amount of protein as cow’s milk which essential to build muscle and burn fat.

• Has lower fat density than milk protein or casein.

• Has little digestible calcium, therefore many manufacturers enrich their products with tri-calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and vegetable calcium from seaweed which available for human digestion.

• Contains less saturated fat and no cholesterol, which help prevent clogged arteries and heart disease.

• A great source of fiber, necessary for our digestive functions.

• Lecithin in soy helps lower cholesterol and triglycerides.

• Vitamin B1, B2, and B6 content are good for metabolism, skin, muscle, immune and nervous system, and cell growth.

• Rich in iron, zinc, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and boron. Magnesium and boron are important co-factors of calcium for bone health.

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids available in soy prevent cancer and cardiovascular disease, boost immune system and promote brain health.

Useful Tips

• Soymilk is lactose-free whereas lactose-free milk is between 70% and 99% lactose free.

• Contain little calcium, therefore consuming calcium rich foods like leafy vegetables, sardines, salmon, avocado and almonds are necessary to complete the other parts of our diets.

• A great alternative to cow’s milk recipes such as making waffles and pan cakes, in coffee or tea, or over cereal.

• Considered a healthy replacement for meats or other foods high in saturated fat and total fat.

• Soy products along with plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables are a healthy balanced diet.

• To get the best out of soy products, look for products which use non-genetically modified soy crops in their production.

• Soybean oil used in fried foods, snacks and salad dressings might be bad for health if taken excessively as it contains more of the Omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

• For the cardiac benefits of soy, 25 grams of soy protein is needed. This is equivalent to 2 to 4 servings a day (1 serving = a cup of soymilk or a half-cup of tofu or one-quarter cup of soy nuts).

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Yeast Infection : The Symptoms, The Causes and The Treatments

What is Yeast Infection?
• Yeast infections are caused by a fungal type of yeast known as Candida Albicans (formerly known as Monilia). This is actually common yeast, exists naturally in a warm, moist, airless, damp area particularly in genital areas, mouth and gastrointestinal tract. Yeast infections triggers when the natural balances of bacteria in the body is disturbed, thus cause Candida to multiply unchecked.
• In vast majority, women suffer vaginal yeast infection (also called vulvovaginal candidiasis). This happen when natural defenses in vagina (mucus and ‘friendly’ bacteria) get upset by certain causes and no longer able to protect vagina from infections.
• In most men, yeast infections are caused by the same Candida as in women. This inflammation of the head of the penis is called Candidal Balanitis. However, this type of infections is much less common.


What are the signs and symptoms?
• Inflammation – skin becomes red (erythema), swollen, cracks, hot or sore.
• Itching and irritation in the vagina.
• Vaginal discharge – odorless, white, thick (like cottage cheese) or with pus (purulent).
• Dysuria – feeling discomfort and pain during urination.
• Superficial dyspareunia – feeling discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
• As for men, there is inflammation of the head of the penis (often in the skin folds).


Who will likely get Yeast Infection?
• Pregnant women – due to psychological and hormonal change, emotional stress (cause weaker immune system therefore less able to counteract infections) and food cravings (often the types of food that yeast likes to feed on).
• Babies – due to undeveloped immune system and from infected mothers through giving birth or breastfeeding.
• Women – due to diabetes, antibiotics intake and weakened immune system.
• Men – due to diabetes, uncircumcised (yeast are likely to grow in the folds under the foreskin) and sexually transmitted (though no clear evidence for this).
• People who use steroid inhalers for asthma or other lung conditions.


What are the causes?
• Pregnancy – hormonal changes, stress and food cravings.
• Diabetes – increased blood sugar level (yeast love to feed on sugar) and lack of key nutrients to impair immune system.
• Antibiotics intake – some antibiotics kill ‘friendly’ bacteria that helps prevent yeast infections.
• Weak immune system – those with HIV/AIDS and recipients of cancer treatments (chemotherapy) have lack of ability to counteract the infections.
• Douching – destroy the natural protection of normal yeast present in the vagina.
• Hormonal change – due to monthly cycle or birth control.
• Poor hygiene – lack of awareness and practice.
• Contraceptives – oral contraceptives may raise the risk of yeast infections but not for all cases.
• Sexual intercourse – oral sex may increased the risk to women (woman is the recipient of oral sex) while men may be transmitted from infected partners. Somehow, some doctors consider yeast infections as a common occurrence, not a sexually transmitted infection (STI).
• Clothing – fitting cloth may inhibit the free flow of air onto the skin.


What are the treatments?
Oral Medication
• Patients aged 12 to 16 – antifungal are given such as Fluconazole or Itraconazole.
• Women with sores in the vulva – topical creams are given such as Clotrimazole or Econazole.
• Non-prescription, single dose tablet is available OTC (over-the-counter) in most countries such as Fluconazole.
• Side-effects – upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, constipation and/ or bloating.

Intravaginal Medication
• Also called Intravaginal Pessaries.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women – they are given Clotrimazole, Econazole or Miconazole.
• It is recommended to insert a pessary by hand rather than using an applicator as it might cause injury to the cervix.
• Can cause mild irritation, damage latex condoms and diaphragms (contraceptives).

Probiotics Supplements (natural remedies)
• Also known as ‘friendly’ bacteria, probiotics are proven to suppress the growth of Candida.
• Examples are Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GR-1 and Lactobacillus Fermentum RC-14.

Boric Acid Suppositories (natural remedies)
• A type of mild antiseptic and antifungal.
• Available in pharmacies, it usually contains herbs and natural substances.
• Not to be taken by mouth, or on open wounds due to the toxicity.
• Not meant for pregnant women and children.
• Side-effects may include vaginal irritation and burning.

In fact, holistic techniques will be rather greater approach to cure yeast infections. The natural essences are known to tackle the conditions right from the root causes. It is safe, proven and wonderfully works. A renown nutritionist and also health consultant, Linda Allen, has come out with her solution on how to cure yeast infection the holistic way. Check her website for more info.

Useful Tips
• Wear loose, cotton underclothes. Avoid jeans and pantyhose
• Avoid douching, perfumed soaps or shower gels to wash vaginal area. Simply use plain water.
• Avoid using lubricants, latex condoms and spermicidal creams.
• For diabetes patient, always monitor blood sugar levels and keep it normal.
• For men, circumcised may reduce the risk of infections. However, if uncircumcised, paying greater attention to personal hygiene may prevent the risk.


Image Source : adam.com

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