Epidemiological studies indicate that dietary Isoflavones provide health benefits for men and women and tend to reduce the risk of coronary heart diseases. The inclusion of 25 grams of soya protein per day in the diet is recommended by FDA to help reduce risk of heart diseases, said Dr. Mona Sanan, Consultant in Health & Nutrition Services at Al Rabie Saudi Foods, during her presentation on "Soya Isoflavones Health Benefits in Reducing the Risk of Cancer & Chronic Diseases'' at the recently concluded Scientific Conference organized by the Dietary Therapy Department at King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Dammam. Soyabean also contains a relatively high level of plant sterols, which is mainly good as a cholesterol-lowering agent, she added. "Soya protein delivers several health benefits, including minimizing the risk of certain types of cancers. Isoflavones, the most abundant in soya foods are considered to have high antioxidant effect and potent dietary anti-cancer agents. Genistein is one of several known isoflavones. Genistein and other isoflavones have been identified as angiogenesis inhibitors, and found to inhibit the uncontrolled cell growth of cancer. Various studies have found that genistein have inhibitory effects of the prostate, breast, and colon cancers. Earlier research linking soya to protection against prostate cancer indicated that soya protein suppress DHT hormone that leads to prostate cancer & hair loss," she noted. The isoflavones, important constituents of soya bean tend to have positive effect on bone density and can help to minimize the risk of osteoporosis. Soybean is also a rich source of tocopherols, an excellent natural antioxidant. Incorporating soya-based food products such as Al Rabie Joya, the natural soya drink launched by Al Rabie Saudi Foods, available in the Saudi market is therefore a smart move for people who want to go for a healthier lifestyle. "Al Rabie was pleased to join other international and national specialists from different fields of expertise during the conference. We will continue to invest in the research and development of healthy food choices to our consumers and actively participate in similar scientific conferences in the future," added Dr. Sanan. Al Rabie Joya, a soya drink with three flavors, has been recently launched by Al Rabie in Saudi Arabia. The soya-based nutritional food product has been introduced by Al Rabie in line with the company's ongoing strategy to invest in the development of healthy and tasty food choices that satisfy the nutritional needs of consumers in the region.
