Cutting Edge Nutrition Research

Milk and Weight Loss

Emerging research suggests that including calcium-rich milk in your weight loss plan does more than just keep your bones healthy, it may be a key to your healthy weight loss strategy. A calcium-rich eating plan, especially one that includes at least 3 servings of milk a day seems to provide the nutritional support you need for healthy effective weight loss. In fact, research suggests that milk may help promote the loss of body fat while maintaining more muscle - which is important when dieting. Dropping dairy foods as a calorie-cutting tactic is not only bad for bones - it could make it even harder to lose weight. So try "milking your diet" instead. That means 24 ounces in 24 hours just three 8-ounce glasses of low-fat or fat-free milks every day to get the calcium your body needs.

For more information regarding the current research please see the following link: http://www.nationaldairycouncil.org/healthyweight/science.asp. Information on this page was taken from: http://www.2424milk.com/health_dairy.php

Soy and Cancer Prevention

What evidence exists that a soy diet is preventive or beneficial in cancer?
At a scientific symposium held at the National Cancer Institute in 1990 it was concluded that soybeans contain at least five compounds with anticancer activity.

What does the research say?
Studies show that groups of people who eat large amounts of soy-based products have lower instances of breast, colon, endometrial, and prostate cancers than the general ( US ) population. Initial studies of soy isoflavone mixtures have found them safe for human use. Lab studies using animal models have shown that both soy and isoflavones can be protective against cancer when given during early life, but can stimulate response to cancer-causing chemicals when given during fetal development.

What ARE isoflavones and what do they actually DO?
Isoflavones are a group of compounds found in and isolated from the soybean. For example: genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. They act as antioxidants to counteract the damaging effects of free-radicals in tissues. They also may block the uncontrolled cell growth associated with cancer, most likely by inhibiting the activity of substances in the body that regulate cell division and cell survival.

What are the other health benefits of soy?
Soy is ideal for nutrition and has been used to build strength in athletes and in those who are ill. Soy protein isolates containing isoflavones will lower blood cholesterol and promote cardiovascular health. Isoflavones in soy have been show to prevent osteoporosis in animals, and they appear to be beneficial in improving bone density in females. In addition, soy isoflavones have been proposed as a natural alternative to conventional hormone replacement therapy. Finally, soy isoflavones have been used to suppress the unpleasant symptoms of menopause.

Information taken from:

Wellness Resource Center | Vanderbilt University
Station B - Box 6033 | Nashville, TN 37235
(615) 343-6073 | wellness.center@vanderbilt.edu