Welcome to the Live Better Newsletter - April 2010
Vol. 10 No. 4   

The word “April” has its roots in the Latin word aperire which means "to open" and most commonly refers to the opening of flowers and trees during this time of year.  Spring is a time of new beginnings but is also known for rain, allergies, and a particular set of feelings, including the feeling of having been cooped up a long time and the need to get out and shed some of the hibernation pounds we’ve added to our waists.  Now, with the warmth and more light, it’s time to get outside, breathe the fresh air, lose some body fat, and start firming up the abs to look good for the beach!  This month we’re going to help show you how.

There is good news in the fight against flab, and that is the revelation that soy protein may increase metabolism, boost anti-hunger hormones, and can help you get rid of the unwanted winter mid-section junk.  In light of the fact that summer is approaching and the lakes and pools are starting to open, it’s a good time to get started on the path to a new you.  By the time summer rolls around, you can have no rolls to hide! You can enjoy a slimmer, trimmer you by eating what is being called “The Miracle Food.” We’ll show you that you can get that belly under control and maintain your energy as you head into the summer frenzy!  

Can soy help get you ready for summer?  Research says “YES!”

As you begin the process of getting ready for summer, remember that in addition to the vast array of benefits derived from the consumption of soy products, there is a steady stream of information indicating that soy has a powerful connection with the ability to lose weight. In other words, when soy consumption goes up, weight can go down.  A study from the University of Illinois reveals that research may reveal the answer as to why. 

Elvira de Mejia, a U of I assistant professor of food science and human nutrition stated, "We wanted to compare the effects of soy protein hydrolysates and soy peptides with those of leptin because we hypothesized that soy might behave in the body in a similar way. Leptin is a hormone produced in our adipose tissue that interacts with receptors in the brain and signals us that we’re full so we stop eating.”

They found that soy did have an effect on brain mechanisms and hormones that are induced in the body to help degrade lipids and reduce body weight, and did so not by eating less, but by boosting metabolism!

It has been found that protein makes you feel full, or increases your state of satiety, for longer than if you ate mostly carbohydrates. The feeling of being full can lead to eating fewer calories during the day!  Soy foods have fewer calories, less fat and more protein than many other sources of protein.  Therefore, top-quality, lean protein from soy foods can aid in weight control and limit the craving for more food!

Soy Can Help The Overweight Epidemic! 

A recent study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine shows that overweight and obesity may be an even greater problem than we all thought.  The study suggests that in the near future, 9 out of 10 men and 7 out of 10 women will become overweight.  And more shocking is that the study didn’t include minorities, who are more prone to being overweight and obese.  With more than 1 in 3 right now being clinically obese, and obesity overcoming starvation as one of the world’s top killers, there’s no question people should be talking. Are you one of these statistics?  There is a way to live a better life! 

It’s relatively and scientifically clear that there is a connection between overweight and obesity and increased mortality due to hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, stroke, gallstones, osteoarthritis, sleep apnea, certain types of cancer (colon, breast, endometrial, gall bladder), menstrual abnormalities, impaired fertility, and increased pregnancy risks. 

And if we take a look at how an overweight nation affects our economy, just think of the repercussions that occur because of the problems overweight causes.  The American Obesity Association states, "no human condition -- not race, religion, gender, ethnicity, or disease state -- compares to obesity in prevalence and prejudice, mortality and morbidity, sickness and stigma." According to studies published in the journals Health Affairs and Obesity Research by RTI International, overweight and obesity problems cost our country as much as $93 billion each and every year.  And it appears that it’s only going to get worse. 

In past years being overweight and obesity have been looked on as a personal problem. However, in 2001, the U.S. Surgeon General took issue with the problem and called on everyone to take responsibility, including individuals, families, communities, schools, worksites, health care, media, industry, and government.  Since then, extensive research has been going on as to how we need to address this issue, and what plan policymakers need to have in their hands in order to do something about it.

Julie Gerberding, Director of the Center For Disease Control sums it up when she says, "The long-term effects of obesity on our nation's health and on our economy should not be underestimated." 

It’s time to take action!  Engage in regular physical activity, reduce sedentary activities, practice a healthy diet, and don’t exceed your caloric intake requirements.   To get that body ready for summer, make sure not to consume more calories than you require, and continue to participate in moderate-intensity cardiovascular and muscular exercise.   Make sure your diet includes soy protein, which will aid in your weight management.  Genisoy has a variety of healthy protein foods that can be found at www.genisoy.com

In addition to weight loss, The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has concluded that soy protein consumption included in a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by lowering blood cholesterol levels.  Soy protein with naturally occurring isoflavones may well help prevent certain types of cancer, osteoporosis, and alleviate menopausal symptoms.   

Genisoy Food Company, Inc. is one of the largest providers of soy protein products (Genisoy) and sports nutrition (MLO) in the United States, offering consumers high quality, good tasting, affordable protein bars, shakes and snacks. Our mission is to provide convenient, delicious and affordable soy food products that make it easy to incorporate the benefits of soy in the average person's everyday diet. Please contact us toll free at 1-866-606-3829 with any questions or comments, or email us at contactgenisoy@genisoy.com.