Is it true that eating soya can protect against cancer

asks admason:
A. Possibly. Soya is a good source of a type of phyto-oestrogens called isoflavones. According to the British Nutrition Foundation, some studies show that the type of isoflavones found in soya could help protect against certain hormonal conditions, such as breast, prostate and bowel cancer.

Research by US scientists suggests that eating a diet rich in soya can reduce the chance of a woman getting breast cancer by up to 50% per cent. However, a spokesman from the Cancer Research Campaign said this new study did not settle the debate over whether soya was beneficial because there haven't been enough studies done.

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Q. Does soya help with anything else
A. Yes, they may help with menopausal symptoms and help prevent the onset of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women, but this has yet to be proven.

Recently, researchers from the University of Illinois School of Public Health in Chicago found there was no difference in the hormone levels of women taking soya supplements compared with other women. However, the study also says that there was evidence that soya could help women maintain strong bones and good cholesterol levels after the menopause.

And, in October 1999, the US Food and Drink Administration approved a health claim about how soy protein can help reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.

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Q. What was the claim
A. That when soy protein is included in a diet which is already low in saturated fat and cholesterol, it may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering cholesterol levels. Soy protein is a� rich source of soluble fibre and isoflavones have strong antioxidant properties: both factors can help lower cholesterol levels.

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Q. Are soya products a good substitute for milk products
A. They can be. Many people take them because they're lactose intolerant (dairy sensitive), however, soya is a common allergen, too. If you replace meat and/or dairy products with soya products, make sure that you're getting enough iron, calcium, zinc and vitamin B12 in your diet.

Soya infant formula is suitable for bottle-fed babies who are lactose intolerant - be aware that they may not be able to tolerant soya either. (Changing your baby's milk should be done under the guidance of a health professional.)

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By Sheena Miller

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