Soyabean: 6 steps for a better health with Soya

A daily intake of at least 25 gms of soya protein and 30-50 mg of isoflavones (or rather 1-2 servings of soya foods) is all it takes to improve and safeguard your health. Here's how:

1. Soya protein and isoflavones lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol and decrease blood clotting (thrombosis), which reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke.

2. They provide antioxidants, reduce artery-clogging plaque, improve blood pressure and promote healthy blood vessels, which protects the body from free radical damage, boost the immune system, and lowers the risk of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure).

3. Soya has soluble fibres that protects the body from digestive system related cancers, such as colon and rectal cancer. Its isoflavones besides may protect the body from many hormone-related cancers, such as breast, endometrial(uterine) and prostate cancer.

4. Soya protein enhances the body's ability to retain and better absorb calcium in the bones. Its isoflavones slow bone loss and inhibit bone breakdown, which helps prevent osteoporosis.

5. Soya isoflavones help the body regulate oestrogen when this hormone is declining or fluctuating. This helps alleviate menopausal and PMS symptoms.

6. Soya protein and soluble fibres help regulate glucose levels