Soy Glycine max

Reduces Blood Pressure and Cholesterol in Postmenopausal Women – This study of 60 postmenopausal women demonstrated that soy, in the form of dry-roasted soy nuts, significantly reduced blood pressure in hypertensive women and those with normal blood pressure. There was also a notable reduction in LDL cholesterol in those women with high cholesterol, but no change in those who’s levels were normal. (Arch Intern Med. 2007;167:1060-1067)

Preventing bone loss – A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial done on post-menopausal women, showed that the isoflavone genistein from Soy prevented bone loss caused by estrogen deficiency, and may not have the concerns of harmful estrogenic activity in the breast or uterus. (Ann Intern Med. 2007;146:839-847)

Effects on cholesterol and metabolic syndrome – A small study showed beneficial effects of soy protein on metabolic syndrome in post-menopausal women. Soy, particularly soy nuts, was found to improve glycemic controls, as well as have beneficial effects on LDL cholesterol. (Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85:735-741)

May be prophylactic against Malaria – Genistein, a compound found in Soy and Soy products, was found to inhibit liver infection by the Plamodium parasite (that causes malaria). Mice fed genistein had decreased parasite load in the liver, significant reduction in liver infections, reduced blood parsitemia, as well as partial protection from severe disease. (PLoS ONE. 2008 Jul 16;3(7):e2732)