Monday, Jul. 26, 2004

Soy Sorry

The humble soybean has been touted as a cure-all that fights cancer, eases menopause and does a whole lot more. The FDA even allows labels on soy products that say they "may reduce the risk of heart disease." But other claims are still in doubt. A new study of 200 women ages 60 to 75 found that a soy-protein powder was no better than a placebo in improving bone density, cognitive function or cholesterol levels. Don't give up tofu just yet, though. The results may not apply to younger women or other soy foods.