When I started researching soy after developing a severe allergy, the soy industry were promoting that soy reduces the risk of heart disease and lowers cholesterol.
Let's examine some of the so-called benefits.
Is soy good for your heart? The FDA "consumers branch" thought so in 1999, but the FDA scientists disagreed.
It approved wording for packaging claims that "diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol" with 25 grams of soy protein a day "may reduce the risk of heart disease.
" The American Heart Association also supported soy as a heart helper.
  However, research during the next five years told a different story.
The AHA withdrew its support for soy and soy supplements in 2005, and the FDA may be ready to take another look at the research.
  The American Heart Association advisory panel reviewed 22 studies and found that an average of 50 grams of "isolated soy protein with isoflavones" mostly didn't reduce cholesterol or at best reduced it by a modest 3 percent.
"This reduction is very small relative to the large amount of soy protein tested in these studies.
"  Is it really proven or significant? It's clearly not proven, and even the most positive of the 41 research studies shows only a small decrease in cholesterol.
  Doesn't it make more sense to just skip the "magic soy formula" and spend your shopping dollars on fruits, vegetables, meats, and other healthy food?   Since this is heart health month, why not take the challenge to remove soy products from your diet and see if you don't start feeling better?