Soy Food Sales ‘Booming’

August 9, 2000

Sales of soy foods and supplements derived from soybeans are "booming," according to the Johns Hopkins Medical Letter "Health After 50," largely owing to "research suggesting that soy may have multiple health benefits." The benefits can be attributed to the protein, fiber and isoflavone components of soybeans, the newsletter says in the upcoming September issue.

In the publication's column "House Calls," the newsletter addressed soy products and noted the recent decision by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration allowing food companies to make the claim that eating 25 grams of soy protein a day lowers the risk of coronary heart disease.

"The ruling was based on studies showing that consumption of soy protein lowers cholesterol levels," the medical letter said. "This information can be printed on the labels of tofu, miso, tempeh, soy milk and other soy-based foods if the product contains at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving and is low in cholesterol and fat."

Soy may have "other potential benefits," the newsletter reported. "By exerting estrogen-like effects on the body, genistein and daidzein (the major soy isoflavones) may relieve hot flashes associated with menopause.

"Some evidence indicates that both soy protein and isoflavones may inhibit bone loss and thus help prevent osteoporosis," the publication said. "Finally, laboratory and animal studies suggest that isoflavones may protect against hormone-dependent cancers of the breast and prostate."