Question

Eating soyfoods offers a boost in health and longevity.

The American public continues to be deluged with news about the miracles of soy. In late October 1999, for example, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a new health claim: "Twenty-five grams of soy protein eaten daily in conjunction with a diet low in fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease."

The claim culminated decades of studies on the nutritional benefits of soyfoods. But proponents say that soyfoods offer even more, including protection from menopausal symptoms, osteoporosis and some types of cancer. Can this humble legume really offer so much?

The studies say yes. Soy protein contains all nine amino acids that the human body cannot manufacture. As an added value, soy protein offers the benefits of animal protein without the cholesterol and with less saturated fat. But there's more to soy than just protein - soy also contains many health-boosting phytochemicals such as isoflavones, saponins, protease inhibitors, phytosterols, phenolic acids and phytate. Most of the research on soy, however, has been focused on the two isoflavones, genistein and daidzein.

Isoflavones are biologically and chemically similar to the estrogen produced by humans, which helps maintain healthy bones. Yet isoflavones can function both as estrogen agonists and antagonists. This is why isoflavones may protect against the symptoms of menopause - when estrogen is needed - as well as protect against hormone-dependent cancers, when estrogen and other hormones exacerbate the disease (Journal of Nutrition, March 1995). Soy also contains the phospholipid lecithin, which contains choline. Both support the reproductive process, fetal development, liver and heart health, memory and physical performance, according to a study funded by the Ohio Soybean Council (Canty D Zeisel S. and Jolitz A. "Lecithin and Choline: Research Update on Health and Nutrition").

Fortunately, soy is widely available to consumers. Although soybeans have been cultivated in Asia for 5,000 years, today consumers can buy soy in tofu, soymilk and miso, as well as in protein powders, meat analogs, energy bars, dairy substitutes and more.

Utilizando seu conhecimento prévio e apoiando-se de modo especial nos cognatos e nas palavras/expressões que você conhece, faça um skimming do texto. Em seguida, descreva em poucas palavras a ideia central do texto. (Em português)

Answer 1

Resposta: A ideia central do texto são os benefícios da ingestão de alimentos à base de soja.