I have found this fact to be most evident when it comes to the use of soy, either as a food or a medicine. Click icon to view printable version of full article First let's examine all of the supposed benefits of soy and soy foods. These are the compounds that are being studied in relation to cancer prevention, relief of certain menopausal symptoms, slowing or reversing osteoporosis and reducing the risk of heart disease. Soybeans are also reported to be a vegetarian source of protein every bit equivalent to that of animal products, including dairy, eggs, fish, chicken and beef. The fats that are contained in soybeans are of the unsaturated variety and offer high levels of the essential fatty acids.
Soybeans also contain high levels of minerals like calcium, iron and zinc.
According to some studies, the consumption of soy foods is associated with protection from heart disease because of its effect on cholesterol. Additionally, soy can significantly reduce triglycerides and has the tendency to help increase HDL cholesterol, the good kind. It also appears that the higher a person's cholesterol is the more that person will benefit from eating soy. Generally speaking, the FDA is very slow to accept and publicize health claims for natural products. One would assume that the scientific evidence must be truly convincing for the FDA to make such a bold statement.