Tip of the Week: #2

The Story on Soy

Soy can come in a variety of forms such as soy beans, tofu, miso, or tempeh; and this little bean can really pack a punch! Volume for volume, soy has more protein and iron than beef and more calcium than milk! In addition, soy contains estrogen-like compounds which are called isoflavones. Once in the body, these phytoestrogens act like a weaker version of estrogen which can help relieve hot flashes and other symptoms associated with menopause. However, only about 30-40% of Americans can convert isoflavones into the activated form.  If you don’t know if your one of them, you can take the surefire route by enjoying fermented soy products like miso and tempeh, which is already converted into the active form your body can use.

You can incorporate soy into YOUR diet by using soy flour when baking (remember to substitute for 1/3 of the flour called for), mixing soy milk with the milk for your cereal, or just snacking on edamame when that two-thirty hunger strikes!