If you want to boost your immune system, and prevent or fight cancer, soy is probably a good thing to have. 

Soy foods are:

• Cholesterol-free (unless they contain animal products)
• Low in saturated fat
• High in protein
• Rich in fiber
• Contain all eight essential amino acids and phytochemicals, known as phytoestrogens
• A rich source of calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B-vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. 

Basically, soy has all the nutrients you need to enhance your immune system.  Researchers believe that the benefits of soy are derived from its isoflavone content, a class of organic compounds, or biomolecules, related to flavonoids, that act as phytoestrogens in people, and are powerful antioxidants.  These phytoestrogens of soy, combined with its protein density, may be responsible for soy’s health benefits, but no one knows for sure.

Past studies have shown that regular consumption of unprocessed soy protein:

• Enhances your good cholesterol
• Inhibits the growth of new blood vessels necessary for tumor survival
• Protects against colon cancer by blocking the carcinogenic effects of bile acids
• Possibly reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancers

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) concluded that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) says that soy does not, however, reduce cholesterol or heart disease risk, but still recommends soy foods as part of a heart healthy diet.  There are also conflicting studies about whether or not soy foods will reduce your high blood pressure. 

What we like about soy foods is that they are alternatives to animal proteins and are loaded with good nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Everyone should eat unprocessed soy foods like tofu as part of a balanced diet.