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Soya Bean is one of the oldest and most nutritious foods in the world. In the eleventh century BC it was primarily consumed in Northern China, spreading to the west and the U.S.A. in the middle of the 18th century and only more recently to Europe. Soya is mainly used in industry and for animal feed despite the fact that it is the third most important crop world-wide today and less than 3% is consumed by humans.

Soya is considered to be nutrition enriched health food as it contains protein, fibre and isoflavones which have positive effects on cholesterol, bone density, menstrual and menopausal symptoms as well as preventing certain types of cancers. It is thought to be a wonder health food by the Chinese who believe it can cure kidney disease, water retention, common colds, anemia and leg ulcers.

According to the research studies conducted by Professor Anderson in 1995, Soya was found to reduce blood cholesterol levels as depicted in many of his studies. Soya isoflavones combined with soya protein enhance blood cholesterol reductions as well as having a positive effect on menopausal women by reducing the risk of hot flushes. Improved vascular function, reduction of blood pressure, antioxidant protection of LDL cholesterol and inhibition of platelet activation are other known cardiovascular effects of Soya and its constituent isoflavones.

The recommended daily amount of soya protein by the UK Joint Health Claims Initiative in 2002 is 25g as part of a low-fat diet to help reduce cholesterol level. In order to achieve this RDA of Soya to promote a healthy heart and reduce cholesterol, it is necessary to consume three portions of a Soya based food each day. This can be easily achieved by consuming Soya milk on cereal each morning, adding soya milk to tea and coffee and choosing a dessert made from soya milk eg. custard or fruit smoothies, yoghurt etc.

There are many Soya cookery books available as well as the many recipes containing soya beans and tofu which already exist in Chinese cooking books. If more people included Soya into their daily diet the risk of developing Heart disease would be reduced which would have a significant impact on the incidence of mortality caused by Coronary Heart Disease today.

And last but not the least; Soya is also helpful in building up the body's natural defense mechanism and boost up the immune system that tends to protect the body from various infections and diseases.

Health Center

Today, as the baby boomers age, obesity is at record levels and adult onset diabetes is at an almost epidemic stage. More and more of this demographic is realizing that healthy foods, products, and lifestyles are part of a preventive package they can take into their own hands. The natural and organics industry is experiencing an annual growth rate of about 10 percent. At a recent Natural Products Trade Show, more than 36,000 professional and trade attendees from over 80 countries attended. Some of the almost 1500 exhibits at the show focused on children's and even pet's health food products. There seems to be an ever-changing opinion among the experts as to what is and isn't healthy. First it was the animal fats and hydrogenated oils, then carbohydrates and trans-fats became the bad guys.. Now some carbohydrates are good and others are considered bad. Pretty much everyone agrees that natural, organically grown food is healthier than its chemically processed brother. The fast food industry has responded by offering more low fat choices on their menus, but not all of these are healthy to eat. The snack food industry doesn't seem to be worried either, knowing that we all crave something sweet or salty at times. For those of you who may have included eating healthier as one of your New Year's resolutions, here are some of the best health and natural food stores in St. Louis:

Whole Foods Market 1601 South Brentwood (314) 968-7744 The largest of the health food stores in St. Louis, Whole Foods tries to bring an all-inclusive shopping experience to its customers. They have a full-service bakery offering hearth baked breads and delicious pastries. Seafood is shipped from their own wharf and arrives at the store within 24 hours. All of the meats and poultry are free of hormones and growth stimulants. All of the produce is, of course, organically grown, some of it coming from local sources. The natural foods industry has expanded to include not only all of the food categories, but also nutritional supplements, cleaning products, and even pet foods. If you're looking for selection, then this is the place to go.

Wild Oats 8823 Ladue Road (314) 721-8004 Though not as large as Whole Foods, Wild Oats was the first “mega” health food store in the St. Louis area. They have a full service natural food supermarket featuring over 200 organic produce items daily. They claim that all of their products are now 100% trans-fat free. Check out their organic juice and coffee bar, or have lunch in their deli. The deli features new “corn-tainers” instead of plastic. The corn is biodegradable and better for the environment. Wild Oats carries the largest selection of vitamins and supplements in the area and I have found that they are very knowledgeable about all of the latest trends. They also offer free lectures and cooking classes in the café. Calendars of these events are available at the store.

Natural Way 8110 Big Bend (314) 961-3541 Natural Way is more like an old fashioned health food store with wooden floors and a small grocery and produce department. The staff is very friendly and knowledgeable here. They have a large selection of vitamins and supplements, some of which aren't available at the giant places. I am also impressed with the large selection of books and educational materials that they have.

Health Care