Soy has been prized for centuries in Asia as a nutritious, high-protein food with a variety of uses. Today, it's popular in the United States not only in Asian food, but also as a cholesterol-free meat and dairy substitute in traditional American foods. Soy burgers, soy yogurt, tofu hot dogs, and tofu cheese can be found in a growing number of grocery stores alongside the traditional white blocks of tofu. Medicinally, Soy appears to reduce blood cholesterol levels. In fact, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized allowing foods containing Soy to carry a "heart-healthy" label. This herb probably originated in China as a salt-fermented food called "Chiang" sometime during the Chou dynasty. At first, Soy referred to any protein-rich animal food that was preserved with salt. The substitution of Soybeans for meat and fish as the basic protein of "Chiang" was first described in the Chimin Yaushu (535-550 AD) which is the oldest agricultural encyclopedia in the world. From the book's description, it appears that fermented Soybean foods had been prepared several centuries before. The isoflavones in Soy, primarily genistein and daidzein, have been well researched by scientists for their antioxidant & phytoestrogenic properties. Saponins in Soy enhance immune function and bind to cholesterol to limit its absorption in the intestine. The isoflavones may also reduce the risk of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast and prostate cancer, as well as other cancers. Both animal and human studies have confirmed this. Eating Soybeans may help protect against breast cancer, possibly because they contain so-called phytoestrogens that help block the activity of cancer-promoting estrogen. A recent study found that pre-menopausal women in Singapore who ate twice as much soy protein as most people had only half the risk of breast cancer. Researchers found that those who ate the most soybean foods had the highest urine concentrations of isoflavonoids, which are anti-cancer agents, particularly against. breast cancer and prostate cancer. Soybeans may help fight off stomach cancer. Even eating it occasionally cut the odds of stomach cancer, as shown in recent studies. The mild estrogen activity of Soy isoflavones may ease menopause symptoms for some women, without creating estrogen-related problems. In addition, Soy may help regulate hormone levels in pre-menopausal women. The mild estrogenic activity of Soy isoflavones may ease menopause symptoms for some women, without creating estrogen-related problems. Vegetarians who exclude all animal protein and dairy can become deficient in vitamin B12. The bacteria in naturally fermented Soy pastes have been found to manufacture vitamin B12, making Soy paste an important vegetarian food. |
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Red Clover is also known by the names Meadow Trefoil, Cleaver Grass, Marl Grass, Sweet Clover, Wild Clover, Cow Clover, and Purple Clover. Ancients called it Triphyllon, meaning "three leaves". This term also relates to the common name, Clover, which stems from "clava", meaning "three-leaved". The three leaves were said to correspond to the triad goddesses of Mythology, and later to the Trinity in Christianity. Red Clover grows in Europe and North America. The plant grows best where soils are rich in calcium, phosphorus and potassium. The flowering tops are used medicinally. In Europe, Red Clover is widely cultivated and used as a tonic and a salad herb. Red Clover is used by honey makers to add a mild, sweet taste to their honey. Like Alfalfa, it serves as common fodder for domestic animals. Herbalists have long prized this herb for it's traditional use as a blood purifier, expelling toxins from the bloodstream. Primary chemical constituents of Red Clover include phenolic glycosides (salicylic acid), essential oil (methyl salicylate), sitosterol, genistiene, flavonoids, salicylates, coumarins, cyanogenic glycosides, silica, choline, and lecithin. Red Clover also contains vitamin A, vitamin C, B-complex, calcium, chromium, iron, and magnesium. Researchers from the National Cancer Institute (NCI) have found anti-cancer properties in this herb. Red Clover is one of the most useful remedies for children with skin problems. Because it is mild, it makes an excellent nutritional supplement for children. The expectorant and anti-spasmodic action give this remedy a role in the treatment of coughs and bronchitis, but especially in whooping cough, dry cough and colds. Red Clover also increases the production of mucus and urine flow helping relieve irritation and inflammation of the urinary tract. As a digestive aid, Red Clover stimulates the production of digestive fluids and bile. It also relieves constipation and helps soothe inflammation of the bowel, stomach and intestines. Red Clover contains easily absorbed calcium & magnesium which tones and relaxes the nervous system, relieving tension due to stress and the associated headaches which are further relieved by the silicic acid content. Clinical evidence shows that there is a basis for it's long standing tradition in treating cancer and it's anti-microbial properties have been proven effective against tuberculosis. For women, Red Clover is quite special. It contains stilbene which stimulates eostrogenic activity, thus increasing fertility, and reduces "hot flashes" experienced by women during menopause. It also supports the uterus with it's vitamin content, and the high protein content nourishes the whole body. There is also an alkalizing effect which improves the vaginal and uterine acid/alkaline balance.
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