Topic 1: Soy Benefits

Can both men and women take, and benefit from soy, a phytoestrogen? Yes, as shown in two articles.

In women, soy helps with breast health. It inhibits breast cancer formation by binding with estrogen receptors. Many studies have shown that women who have a higher soy intake have lower breast cancer rates.

With men, soy helps with prostate health. Soy has a protective effect on the prostate gland by acting as an inhibitor of the “bad” hormone DHT, which causes the prostate to swell. It acts as a natural 5-alpha reductase, the same ingredient found in prescription medicines that deal with enlarged prostate. Studies have shown that men in Japan and China, with high soy consumption, have a lower incidence of prostate problems.

Soy can be obtained in many different ways and should be considered as a daily addition for both men and women. I would strongly encourage you to incorporate soy into your regular diet, as soy milk, miso, tofu or other soy foods. It is the only single food that supplies all the proteins you need without having to combine or add other foods.

Soy isoflavones/phytoestrogens can also be taken as a supplement, as an extract. Specific products for men (Prostate Support) and for women (Menopause Support) contain these soy isoflavones.

Topic 2: Bio-identical Hormones (Minute 14)

This is an area where women have so many questions, in part because traditional medical was burned so badly with the hormone replacement issue. It was believed for years that the conjugated estrogen used in the hormone replacement therapy would bring many health benefits to women, but a large-scale study found the opposite. Conjugated estrogen, which comes from pregnant mare’s urine, actually increases heart disease, breast cancer, stroke and blood clot risks.

Hormone therapy is still considered the best way to treat the symptoms of menopause. But the trend is now to get away from the conjugated hormones and go towards bio-identical hormones. Bio-identical hormones are identical in molecular structure to the hormones made by a woman’s body. They are not found in nature, but are synthesized from a plant (such as yam or soy) and modified slightly to match what a woman produces naturally.

One product that I often recommend is a prescription medication called Estrace, from yam and soy. It is FDA approved and closely regulated to have the same hormones naturally found in women. Compounding pharmacies can also create products for you, but be sure they are reputable and knowledgeable.

Also, do not go with the saliva test – it does not provide the best indication of your estrogen levels . Even blood tests aren’t necessary. Instead, go by relief of symptoms; start with lowest dose and increase slightly as needed until symptoms are under control.

There are also supplements available without a prescription that contain plant estrogens; one that we developed is Menopause Support.

Topic 3: Natural Food Superstars (Minute 26)

An article lists the natural foods that have shown the most growth in interest over the past four years. Pomegranate juice, dark chocolate, berries, walnuts, almonds, ginger, and cinnamon top the list of the food superstars. Let’s take a closer look at some of these beneficial foods (many of which can also be found as extracts).

• Pomegranate extract can inhibit cancer formation and have a protective effect on normal cells.
• Dark chocolate contains flavonols that can protect the heart and may have protective effects against diabetes. However, the sugars and fats added to chocolate are not good for you, so look for more pure dark chocolate, which may be bitter. You can also get flavonol benefit from 6 oz per day of purple grape juice
• Berries, especially blueberries, are very high in antioxidants
• Walnuts and almonds are very heart healthy, but are also high in fat and calories, so limit yourself to a handful, or about 10 per day.
• Ginger has anti-inflammatory effects and benefits for the digestive tract
• Cinnamon can lower blood sugar

Most people are not getting this information from their doctors, but are hearing about the benefits and finding ways to add them to their diets.

Topic 4: The Best Breakfast (Minute 41)

Breakfast is one of the most important but most neglected meals. So what is the best thing to eat for breakfast? The science consistently gives this answer: oatmeal or oat bran.

High fat meals have the immediate effect of decreasing blood flow through the vessels to the heart. But that effect can be countered by oats. Oatmeal/oat bran consists of a unique soluble fiber called beta-glucan that protects blood vessels walls. Even compared to whole wheat or whole grain cereal, oatmeal decreased the ability of fats to constrict the artery flow.

Oatmeal/oat bran also protect against the surges of blood sugar levels, by blocking the rapid uptake of sugar. The spiking of blood sugars is what puts so much stress on your pancreas and affect insulin response. Oatmeal is also high in phytoestrogens, which were discussed in Topic #1 today.

So don’t look for just whole grain, or even plain oat cereal – look for oatmeal or oat bran cereals and make it the basis of your breakfast. It will give you protective benefits throughout the day, not only in the morning. You may want to add some cinnamon and/or berries (see topic #3) for added benefit.

Topic 5: Linda Cherry’s Feta Chicken Recipe (Minute 51:30)

A quick, healthy, delicious recipe:

Feta Chicken Recipe