There are only a few situations that are equally as confusing as Michael Jackson's desire to look like a rat masquerading as a masculine Elizabeth Taylor. One of them is the effect of soy on the body. If you are looking for new and creative ways to send yourself into self-induced mental mystification, then I suggest reading the current scientific findings on soy-based research. The results are vague, inconclusive and at times even contradictory.
But before you swear off soy and the advice of health professionals everywhere, I advocate interpreting the current findings and making your own opinion on soy.
This way, you'll be prepared when this stimulating topic comes up at the dinner table.
Soy was originally thought to be beneficial because of its high level of isoflavonoids, a type of phytoestrogen. Phytoestrogens are thought to be the rough equivalent of a "plant" estrogen. Since estrogen in women has been examined in topics ranging from heart disease and cancer to osteoporosis and menopause, phytoestrogens immediately peaked curiosity of savvy professionals in the medical community.
Some studies have indicated that phytoestrogens could potentially help reduce the incidence of breast cancer in women.
These phytoestrogens may actually bind to estrogen receptors and decrease the risk of estrogen stimulation -- leading to a potential decrease in tumor formation.
Another hypothesis is that phytoestrogens may inhibit enzymes in the body that cause cancer cells to proliferate.
However, it is also suggested that if you have a high risk of developing breast cancer or are in breast cancer remission, you may want to steer clear of soy-based products. Some research has shown that once the cancer cells are present in the body, phytoestrogens may actually cause an increase in cell division.
Confused yet? So is everyone else.
Adding to the complexity of phytoestrogen is its potential to decrease the prevalence of other harmful diseases. Some studies have shown that phytoestrogens may decrease the amount of "bad" cholesterol in the body, hence decreasing the risk of coronary heart disease.
They also seem to contain antioxidants, which are beneficial in reducing damage done to blood vessels.
In addition, they may help to promote healthy bones and lessen some of the uncomfortable effects of menopause.
Now before you denounce the medical community for their lack of clarity and decide to eat french fries and donuts until you croak, be patient. Even Michael would agree that more research needs to be done.
However, I believe that the public is entitled to hear all the facts before determining whether soy should be incorporated into the American diet.
Personally, in my own intellectual wisdom, I believe that soy's potential benefits will be determined to outweigh its risks for most healthy individuals. By moderately integrating soy products into your diet, you may be able to reduce your risk of developing a number of diseases that are currently plaguing Americans.
This would mean consuming soymilk, soybean hummus, soy nuts, etc., a few times a week.
However, I would like to caution anyone from going nuts with soy-based products. As with most things in life, moderation is the key. It is true with our diets, and it's true with plastic surgery.
