Soy products are used by vegetarians in place of meat, poultry and/or dairy products. Soy also has been promoted to manage many conditions, including menopause, some forms of cancer, osteoporosis, heart disease and Alzheimer's. While much more research is needed, soy may help in the fight against memory loss; however, it is not right for everyone, so always consult a physician first.
Alzheimer's Disease
The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not known. The symptoms of Alzheimer's appear when the brain develops plaque, which are clumps of protein and tangles that are twisted strands of protein. Plaques and tangles cause a loss of communication between brain cells, inflammation within the brain and eventually the death of brain cells. Over time, the brain shrinks and the patients are no longer able to carry out daily tasks or care for themselves. While the major risk factors, age and genetics, cannot be controlled; managing heart disease may help lower your risk. The damage to the blood vessels caused by high blood pressure, high cholesterol and other forms of heart disease may contribute to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's, says the Alzheimer's Association.
Soy and Memory Loss
Soy is a plant within the pea family, and it produces soy beans that contain isoflavones that are substances similar to the female hormone estrogen. Soy beans also are high in protein. While some animal and human studies indicate that consuming soy may slow memory loss and improve mental ability, much more research is needed to fully understand the effects of soy on the brain. As of the time of publication, there is not enough evidence to prove that it slows or prevents Alzheimer's disease. However, including soy in the diet before memory loss occurs may help maintain mental function versus consuming soy after memory loss has occurred.
Soy and Heart Disease
While it is unclear if soy can help slow memory loss or Alzheimer's disease directly, it may help by lowering the risk of heart disease. Consuming soy has been linked to lower total cholesterol levels as well as lower LDL levels, the bad kind of cholesterol. Lowering your cholesterol levels lowers your risk of heart disease. Food is preferred over supplements, and the goal is to consume 31 to 47 g of soy protein instead of meat each day. If you have or are at risk for heart disease, you should aim to get at least 25 g of soy per day. Soy burgers, soy yogurt, soy milk and tofu are all good sources.
Precautions
Soy is part of an overall healthy diet; however, caution should be used with supplements. If you are living with gout, talk to your doctor about consuming soy,as it does contain purines. Soy supplements may cause stomachaches, constipation and diarrhea, and they are not recommended for children or women who are pregnant or nursing. Soy supplements may interact with other medications being taken, so it is best to talk to your physician first.
