• What is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) health claim for soy?
• How much soy must I consume daily to obtain the cholesterol lowering benefit of soy protein?
• What does the soy protein heart logo signify?
• What is cardiovascular disease?
• What is the risk for women?
• How can I lower my cholesterol level?
• How does soy protein lower cholesterol?
• What is osteoporosis?
• How many women are affected?
• What is hormone replacement therapy?
• Why is calcium important in your diet?
• How much calcium should one take?
• Are bones made up of calcium?
• Why do bones become weak?

What is the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) health claim for soy?

A health claim is a very powerful message. In the history of the FDA there have been only 10 approved health claims. A health claim is the association of a food or substance with a direct connection to a disease or a medical condition.

In October 2000, the FDA approved the health claim: soy protein in conjunction with a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease by decreasing serum cholesterol levels. Elevated cholesterol has been linked to atherosclerosois and coronary artery disease. Soy protein in humans has been demonstrated to decrease serum low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels, with no change or increase in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. LDL is known as the "bad" cholesterol, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, and HDL is the "good" cholesterol, which decrease the risk.
 

How much soy must I consume daily to obtain the cholesterol lowering benefit of soy protein?

The FDA stated that 25 grams of soy protein daily, coupled with a low fat diet could reduce the risk of coronary artery disease and therefore the risk of a heart attack. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the number one cause of death of women in the United States*. 2-4 servings of WS Soymilk can satisfy this requirement.

* American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org
 

What does the soy protein heart logo signify?

The soy protein heart logo signifies that a serving of the product has a minimum of 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving. To achieve the cholesterol lowering benefit of soy protein, at least 25 grams of soy should be consumed daily. WestSoy soymilks make it easy to consume the recommended minimum. Many of WestSoy products contain at least 6.25 grams of soy protein. WestSoy Smart Plus contains the most: 11 grams of soy protein per serving!
 

What is cardiovascular disease?

Cardiovascular disease is actually a group of diseases that affect the heart and arteries. It is the most prevalent cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 1 million lives each year*. The most common form of cardiovascular disease is coronary artery disease. It results from atherosclerosis, plaque deposits in the arteries that lead to a narrowing and possible occlusion of the coronary vessels. The resulting lack of blood supply to the heart can cause a heart attack. Risk factors directly attributable to coronary heart disease are elevated total cholesterol levels with increased levels of low-density lipoproteins (LDLs). Other risk factors are smoking, sedentary lifestyle, obesity and high stress levels. Drinking soymilk that contains soy protein, such as WestSoy Plus, may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

* American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org
 

What is the risk for women?

Out of the one million people who die from cardiovascular disease each year, approximately 500,000 are women*. The disease kills more women each year than all cancers combined. A primary risk factor is elevated total cholesterol levels. A borderline cholesterol level is between 200 and 239 mg/dl and a high cholesterol level is greater than 240 mg/dl. Approximately 50 million American women have cholesterol levels over 200 mg/dl.

* American Heart Association: http://www.americanheart.org
 

How can I lower my cholesterol level?

The FDA has determined that a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol and high in soy protein can lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease. Soy protein has been found to lower low-density lipoproteins (LDL) with no change or an increase in the levels of high-density lipoproteins (HDL). LDLs have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, while HDLs have been found to decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease.
 

How does soy protein lower cholesterol?

Soy protein improves liver metabolism, which helps increase the removal of LDL from the bloodstream. It can also decrease the absorption of cholesterol in the gut.
 

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is disease that affects the entire skeletal system. It is in part caused by decreases in estrogen, which lead to low bone density and subsequent increased risk of fracture, loss of height, chronic back pain and reshaping of the spine.
 

How many women are affected?

Current estimates suggest 20 to 30 percent of postmenopausal women in the United States have osteoporosis, or about 8 million women. Although it can also occur in men, it is more prevalent in women because it is connected to a drop in estrogen levels. Hormone replacement therapy is one treatment.
 

What is hormone replacement therapy?

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a prescription dose of estrogen and progestin given mainly to menopausal women to help balance out some of the physical changes that occur during menopause. Some women are reluctant to take HRT because of the risks, including the possibility of increasing breast cancer risk. HRT can also have some uncomfortable side effects such as breast tenderness, cramping, irritability, depression, and possibly spotting or a return of monthly periods for a few months or years.
 

Why is calcium important in your diet?

Calcium is necessary for optimal bone strength and the prevention of osteoporosis. Your bones are like a warehouse for calcium. Inadequate intake of calcium can lead to decreased bone mass and the potential for fracture. In the next decade, 6 million women will reach menopause and experience hormonal changes that place them at a greater risk of developing osteoporosis. Currently 30 million women are in menopause, and 8 million suffer from osteoporosis, which cause 1.5 million fractures yearly. As we live longer, and women experience an increasing number of postmenopausal years, the issue of bone health becomes even more important.
 

How much calcium should one take?

Only one in 20 women ingests the recommended daily requirement of calcium and 80% of teenagers consume inadequate calcium levels in their diet. The current recommendation of calcium for adults is a daily intake of 1000-1200 mg. This can vary based on age, sex and overall health. Always consult your health care provider for your individual calcium requirement. Many WestSoy soymilks are fortified with calcium. So if you’re using it, you’re already doing something to prevent osteoporosis.
 

Are bones made up of calcium?

Calcium is a key component in the composition of bone. Additionally, the structure of bone is made up of a collagen matrix, or frame intermixed with phosphorous. Calcium is responsible for giving bone its strength.
 

Why do bones become weak?

Most people think that the bone is a stagnant structure that supports the body. The fact is that bone is a dynamic system that undergoes continuous breakdown and reformation by a group of cells called the bone-remodeling unit. The bone-remodeling unit contains osteoblast cells, which produce new bone, and osteoclast cells which cause bone re-absorption. Bone density and strength are at its peak at around age 30. After that, bone re-absorption begins to outpace bone formation. If an imbalance occurs, osteoporosis develops.