For those who are interested to take their pick there is a host of items to choose from whole soya beans , soya sprouts, or processed as soya milk, tofu, tempeh, soya sauce or miso.

According to studies , soya is known to reduce the risk of heart diseases besides its anti - oxidants value. one of the reasons why soya enjoys a great deal of acceptance among vegetarians is because of its rich vitamin , mineral and fibre content. A few ideological and medical reasons have also triggered its consumption- many abstain from consuming animal products, while some others are intolerant to milk ptotein and lactose.

What is perhaps one of the leading benefits of soya is in relation to the reduction of cholesterol. Not only is soya cholesterol free, its proteins also reduce the cholesterol level circulating in the blood.In elderly woman the production of natural estrogen drops and cholesterol levels go up. they become more susceptible to heart attacks. Soya contains isoflavones which help reduce the cholesterol levels.

Soya And cancer

Studies have indicated that people who regularly consume soya, one of the richest dietary sources of isoflavones, have lower incidences of breast ,colon and prostate cancers.The incidence is particularly low for hormone- dependent cancers.In Asian countries where the prevalence of disorders such as breast cancer and invasive prostate cancer is relatively low, because people consume soya foods which produce isoflavones.

Soya Delights

Strawberry smoothie

Ingredients:

200 gm strawberries

200 ml soya milk

4tbsp vanilla ice-cream

1tbsp sugar

1tsp vanilla flavour

Procedure:

Clean the strawberries and add the soya milk, vanilla ice cream and vanilla flavour. blend to obtain a smooth mixture. Pour the strawberry smoothie gently in the glass and serve.

Soya salad

Ingredients

250 gm green beans

300 gm canned soya beans

1 avocado

6tsp mayonnaise

6 tbsp soya yoghurt

1tbsp vinegar.

Procedure

Boil green beans in water, drain and cool. Mix yoghurt, mayonnaise to beans and toss gently. then add salt and pepper. Cool and serve.