3. Protection against cancer. Soy's soluble fiber protects body from many digestive related cancers, such as colon and rectal cancer. While its isoflavones may protect body from many hormone related cancers, like breast, endometrial (uterine) and prostate cancer. Isoflavones act against cancer cells in a way similar to many common cancer-treating drugs.

4. Counter effects of endometriosis. The isoflavones in soy products may help to offset action of body's natural estrogen, which is often responsible for instigating monthly pain, heavy bleeding and other symptoms of endometriosis.

5. Protect against prostate problems. Eating soy products may protect against enlargement of male prostate gland. The size of prostate gland tends to increase with age, causing various types of urinary difficulties, including frequent nighttime awakenings.

6. Guard against osteoporosis. Soy's protein enhances body's ability to retain and better absorb calcium in bones, while its isoflavones slow bone loss and inhibit bone breakdown, which helps prevent osteoporosis. There is evidence to suggest that isoflavones may also assist in creating new bone.

7. Control symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. Soy's isoflavones help body regulate estrogen when this hormone is declining or fluctuating, which helps alleviate many menopausal and PMS symptoms. Research has shown that soy isoflavones can reduce menopausal hot flushes in women.

8. Help control diabetic conditions and kidney disease. Soy's protein and soluble fiber help regulate glucose levels and kidney filtration, which helps control diabetic conditions and kidney disease.

What an incredible little bean! With such profound health benefits how can you overlook this wonderful food source? If you haven't yet noticed, gone are days when only way soy products came were in strange tasting meat substitutes. You can now access a wide range of soy products and use soy in a variety of ways to suit any taste palate.

(c) Kim Beardsmore

4 Experiment and use spices Get used to cooking with a wide variety of spices. It's possible to get fabulous flavor with spices without adding high calorie fats and oils.

5 Read "fat free" labels carefully Many "fat free" items contain additional carbohydrates in form of sugar or fructose to compensate for reduced flavor and can do more to add to your weight than "full strength" product.

6 Use low fat dairy products For adults, much healthier as low fat dairy products have nutrients without extra fat.