April, 2002

"April is the cruelest month," so the poets write, and you might agree when you're standing in post office lines with your 1099s. But April is also National Soyfoods Month, and believe it or not, soy may actually relieve your stress during this taxing time. Proper nutrition has a way of balancing body _and_ mind. Just ask the 27 percent of Americans who eat soy each year. (Source: Soyfoods Association of North America)

Soy foods offer great taste, convenience, and high nutrition. While the exact medical benefits of soy are constantly being evaluated, studies have shown that Asian countries where soy is a staple have lower rates of certain diseases, such as breast cancer. The FDA has also claimed that 25 grams of soy protein a day can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. In addition, fat from soy is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, the same beneficial substance found in fish. If you are a woman and you eat soy three or more times per week, and eat fish in addition, you have a double dose of protection against some chronic diseases.

Soy comes in many different varieties:

While you may notice some difference in the taste depending on your previous exposure to soy, soy flour and soy products flavor your food even when you're not aware of it. Read labels of foods to check for soy, soy flour, or soy protein. You may not notice any difference in the taste, but you'll see a change in your overall health.

If you're not a soy fan but want to improve your health, how do you get more soy in your diet? See our tips for soy menus. And try your hand at making your own soy milk with our Miracle Soy Wonder Soy Milk Maker.

WARNING: If you are breastfeeding, some babies may be allergic to soy, so it may be wise to abstain until you wean your baby.