Soy and prostate cancer risk
 Protection from prostate cancer may be associated with the type of soy foods consumed, according to this review by researchers at the Washington University in St Louis, Missouri.
First, the details.
- 15 published epidemiologic studies on soy consumption and 9 on isoflavones in association with prostate cancer risk were reviewed.
And, the results.
- Soy intake was associated with a significant reduction in prostate cancer risk.
- Nonfermented soy foods (tofu, edammame, soy milk) and fermented soy foods (miso, natto, tempeh) were associated with lower risk.
- Isoflavones were not associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer.
- A plant compound found in soy foods with weak estrogen-like activity.
The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “The results of this analysis suggest that consumption of soy foods is associated with a reduction in prostate cancer risk in men. This protection may be associated with the type and quantity of soy foods consumed.”
From a broader perspective, researchers from the University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital after reviewing the relationship between prostate cancer and vegetable consumption concluded, “Although the impact on prostate cancer risk differs among various vegetables and their constituent nutrients, the overall benefits of plant-based diet on cancer prevention and other diet-related diseases should be promoted.”
2/13/09 21:36 JR
