A healthier diet is very much in the news these days, given such initiatives as Jamie Oliver's campaign to change the eating habits of our younger generation.Not an easy task as adults like us need to be educated as well.

There has also been much fascinating debate about the healthier diets of China and Japan, as compared to the U.K and U.S.A. In this article I would like to focus on the rise of phytonutrient rich, soy based health drinks which originate from the Far East.

It is an unique formulation which involved scientists and nutritionists.It is rich in phytonutrients a naturally occuring plant compounds similar to human oestrogens (hormones the body producesfor growth and development and good health).

Oestrogens are essential for female reproductive system as well as the bones,heart and brain.

Phytonutrients also serve as anti-oxidants which are important for promoting general health.

There is scientific evidence that populations lacking in sufficient dietary phytonutrientsare more suceptible to a number of health problems such as cardiovascular disease and cancer, than people primarily from the East that have a diet rich in them.

This product attains phytonutrients through three of it's ingredients: soy protein, soy germ extract, and lutein.

This product is rich in isoflavones. Postmenopausal women are at risk from oestrogen deficiency i.e cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis.

Isoflavones are a class of phytonutrients shown to decrease risk of developing these conditions and reduce number of symptoms associated with menopause such as hot flushes.

There is significant evidence for the consumption of soy to be recommended.

It reduces frequency and intensity of hot flushes. it helps fight effect of osteoporosis associated with the menopause.

This health drink attains isoflavones through two of it's ingredients: soy protein and soy germ extract.

It is rich in antioxidants:
Free radicals are deliberately made by the cells of our immune system in order to destroy bacteria and viruses. However levels can be increased by unhealthy lifestyles and diet, which then become a threat to our health.

Antioxidants protect the body against the efects of oxidation and help neutralise any excess of free radicals in the body.

The antioxidant defence system limits free radicals from:

*contributing to the formation of blood clots (thrombosis), which can in turn increase the risk of heart attack or stroke over time.

*damaging DNA, which may lead to cancer.

*suppresing the immune system.

*impairing cell function.

*defending against all these effects may slow the progression of chronic disease and aging.

This product fights against cardiovascular disease

Soy protein like animal protein contains all the essential amino acids. However in Asian populations where soy is a dietary staple the incidence of coronary heart disease and heart attacks is lower than in countries such as the USA.

The evidence for soy protein has convinced the British and American heart Association to encourage the consumption of soy as part of a healthy diet low in saturates and cholesterol.

Protective role against cancer

Epidemiological studies have shown a significant difference in cancer incidence among different ethnic groups (higher in western countries than eastern countries). it is believed to be partly due to the protective role provided through soy intake.

Clinical trials are encouraging indicating that higher intake of phytoestrogens, particularly isoflavones have been associated with reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer, endometrial cancer, prostate cancer and stomach cancer.

Eye and Skin health

Lutein is primarily found in red,yellow,orange and green fruits and vegetables but unfortunately we do not eat enough of these. one of lutein's primary functions is to provide protection against oxidative and free radical damage.

the highest concentrations of lutein are found within the ocular tissue(the eye) but it is also found in the skin,breast and cervical tissues. However levels of lutein in the body are entirely controlled by dietary choice.

Lutein in the body is vital because:

*it protects against free radical damage to the retina.

*lutein is associated with a lower risk of cataract.

*it benefits the heart.

*there is alink between lutein consumption and prevention of certain cancers(stomach,oesophagus,lung,oral cavity and pharynx,endometrium,pancreas and colon).

*it contributes to lower rates of coronary heart disease or stroke.

*it counteracts and prevents UVR- induced photo-damage and erythema (inflammation of the skin).

This health drink is also low in fat and carbohydrates whilst being high in protein. Therefore it is an ideal complement to a calorie controlled diet.

Conclusion

It is of general opinion that the public would definetly benefit from a greater intake of soy,soy germ extract and lutein in their daily diets to promote improved heart,eye,skin and general health.

One of the leading products in this field is a health drink called TianTian produced by a company called Ecoflow.