and easy ways to add it to your diet

You’ve heard quite a bit in recent years concerning the health benefits of soy. Of particular interest are the isoflavones in soy anticarcinogens which are similar in structure to estrogen. These isoflavones have made the consumption of soy foods a popular way to help fight disease. Soy remains to be the only significant dietary source of these amazing isoflavones in addition to being a complete source of protein high in fiber and low in cholesterol.

A few of the health benefits of soy include:  lowering LDL cholesterol, regulating glucose levels, retaining and absorbing calcium while slowing bone loss and inhibiting bone breakdown and providing antioxidants that can improve blood pressure and reduce plaque.

I grew up eating soy on a regular basis and have been impressed with the effort made by many to learn to like soy and find ways to incorporate it into their western diets. While I have heard success stories of those who have found a way to enjoy soy, I have heard many more comments from individuals who say they know they should be eating more, but they just haven’t learned to like it. I believe one of the secrets of enjoying the soy in your diet is to use it in traditional preparations.

One simple way to do this that takes no cooking skill whatsoever is to make yourself a bowl of miso* soup. If you can boil water and stir, you can make miso soup! Another wonderful and easy way to incorporate soy is to use miso as a flavoring in dressings and marinades or to use cubed firm tofu as an addition to your stir fry.

I grew up eating miso soup for breakfast on a regular basis. Maybe having soup for breakfast doesn’t appeal to you, but it can be easily enjoyed as a healthful lunch or a light dinner with some broiled fish and steamed vegetables. If you like to try new foods and are looking for a flavorful way to experience food that is good for your health try my recipe for Miso & Ginger Red Snapper.

*Miso is a paste made of fermented soy beans. It can be found at Japanese/Asian markets and natural food stores. It is also becoming more widely available at larger chain grocery stores.