Recent advances in understanding the role of diet in the development and progression of cancer has increased the awareness
Recent advances in understanding the role of diet in the development and progression of cancer has increased the awareness among the medical fraternity about the importance of a healthy diet to avert the same.
Soy is being touted as the next wonder food that can perform miracles for health including preventing cancer. A new study published in the October 2005 issue of the Journal of the American Dietetic Association observed the soy consumption in women who were quantified as being at risk for the development of breast cancer. Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Pennsylvania followed the eating habits of about 450 women. The research wanted to look at the role of soy in the prevention of chronic diseases including breast cancer. All the 450 women had family history of breast cancer and all were a part of the cancer risk assessment program. The results however are pretty inconclusive.43 percent of the respondents said that they ate a soy product at least once a month.
32 percent admitted that they were voracious "soy consumers." Among this group nearly 50 percent believed that soy would prevent cancer.
Vegetable burgers, tofu and soy milk are the major soy products that were consumed.
Women who did not consume soy said that it was not tasty or that they could not find it on the market.
Based on the above findings, the study concluded, "A subset of women may be consuming soy for misguided reasons or nonproven health benefits. It is important for health professionals to deliver clear messages about the health benefits, if any, of soy."
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