Originally published June 28 2005
Nutrition expert says soy can help lower fat, cholesterol
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
Science Daily has reprinted two articles by Dr. James Anderson, in which he discusses the potential of soy to reduce weight and lower cholesterol, and what foods actually constitute a healthy snack.
A quick trip through the health-food section of any grocery will reveal several labels touting soy content, but most Americans do not know much about soy beyond a vague idea that it is a healthy food.
In his JACN article, Anderson reports on his investigation into the effectiveness of soy in adult weight loss.
Anderson tested two commercially available meal replacements -- one soy-based, and one milk based -- in a group of obese adults for twelve weeks.
The soy-based group lost slightly more weight in any given week, and displayed lower serum cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels.
"The bottom line is soy is healthy, and while incorporating it into weight loss may not have a more dramatic effect on your waistline than other nutrition plans, its benefits go beyond weight loss toward increasing overall health," Anderson said.
In another JACN article, "Snack Foods: Comparing Nutrition Values of Excellent Choices and 'Junk Foods'," Anderson raises the possibility that poor snack choices may play an active role in increasing rates of childhood obesity.
Noting that snacking can be healthful when snack foods are high in nutritional value and low in calories, Anderson provides a quantitative analysis of what makes a snack either a healthy choice, or a "junk food."
He calls upon manufacturers and government to make this information more readily available to consumers.
"Labels should clearly identify excellent food choices and junk foods," said Anderson.
"The government should also consider options such as taxing junk foods, subsidizing healthy foods, and prohibiting junk food advertisements in media targeted to children, especially advertising in schools."
As a physician, Anderson regularly treats young people trying to control their weight.
"Communities, schools, legislative bodies, movies, television and food companies should partner in promoting healthful food choices.
All content posted on this site is commentary or opinion and is protected under Free Speech. Truth Publishing LLC takes sole responsibility for all content. Truth Publishing sells no hard products and earns no money from the recommendation of products. NaturalNews.com is presented for educational and commentary purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice from any licensed practitioner. Truth Publishing assumes no responsibility for the use or misuse of this material. For the full terms of usage of this material, visit www.NaturalNews.com/terms.shtml