Stay stronger by saying "soy-onara" to soy

Dear Reader, I've been warning my patients--and you--for years that soy is bad news. It's one of the world's most genetically engineered crops, thanks to Monsanto (the company I believe has singlehandedly contributed to more death and illness than any other). But aside from that, it's just not the "healthy" alternative to animal protein people think it is. In fact, a new study showed that dairy actually offered more benefits in terms of strength and overall health than soy. The study noted that, when matched in total protein, fat, and carbohydrate content, dairy- and soy-based meals result in very similar blood glucose and insulin responses. But here's where dairy pulled ahead: It resulted in a more sustained branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) concentration. That means the amino acids--the building blocks for protein--stayed in the body longer and the body was able to utilize them more. In other words, dairy did a better job at preserving and building muscle mass. Which helps keep you stronger, longer. There is a reason why we are not meant to be plant-based organisms. Our bodies require food from animals. (Sorry, PETA.) One of my favorite sources of dairy is whey protein. I've talked about its benefitsbefore. First of all, it helps fill you up and keep you satisfied much longer than other so-called "meal replacements," But, as this study indicates, it can also help you maintain the muscle mass and strength you need to stay active and lean well into your golden years. Soy just doesn't cut it here. But the other interesting thing about this study was that it included men with metabolic syndrome. (By now, I'm sure you know what that is, but just in case, here's a quick refresher of the symptoms: excess weight--especially around the midsection, hypertension, and extreme blood sugar swings). The syndrome has been linked to increased risks of both type-2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. And unfortunately, men with metabolic syndrome got no benefit to their muscles from dairy. I bring this up to underscore the importance of reigning in metabolic syndrome. As this study shows, if you're overweight and your blood sugar is off kilter, you're limiting the benefits of the healthy choices you ARE making. So getting it under control should be No. 1 on every priority list. The good news is, beating metabolic syndrome is simple--if you're making the right choices. Stick with whole, natural, healthy foods--not processed, genetically modified, nutritionally devoid products. Not only will you keep your weight and blood sugar in check (and head metabolic syndrome off at the pass), but you'll also reap all the other benefits these nutrient-rich foods have to offer.