Question

Which of the following statements about soy is correct? Its popularity is decreasing in the United States. It may be harmful for individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer. It is a low-quality protein source that is high in saturated fat. It is increasingly rejected by vegetarians as part of their diet.

Answer 1

The correct statement about soy is that it may be harmful for individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer, though evidence on fat intake and cancer risk is unclear. Soy is a high-quality protein and is not high in saturated fat. It remains a popular food choice in the U.S., especially among vegetarians.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement about soy that is correct is: 'It may be harmful for individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer.' While epidemiological studies have linked a high fat intake with higher rates of certain cancers, randomized studies have not conclusively found that total fat intake is linked to cancer risk, making the evidence unclear at this time. However, it is important to note that soy is a high-quality protein source and not high in saturated fat; it contains all nine essential amino acids needed in the diet. Moreover, soy's popularity as a food crop is strong in the United States, and it is not true that it is increasingly rejected by vegetarians. In fact, soy remains a significant part of vegetarian diets due to its high protein content and because it serves as an alternative to animal protein sources.

Contrary to one option, soy is not a low-quality protein source. Soybeans are an excellent source of protein and contain all the essential amino acids required by humans, making it a complete protein source, much like animal proteins. While some plant proteins are lower in quality due to lacking one or more essential amino acids, soy does not fit this category.

Furthermore, guidelines regarding fat and nutrient consumption must be followed to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and type 2 diabetes. Soy can be part of a diet that may help with weight reduction and maintenance, especially as it is high in fiber, which can aid in satiety and contribute to a lower calorie intake.

Answer 2

It may be harmful for individuals at high risk of developing breast cancer.

Step-by-step explanation:

Soy consumption from adulthood may be a risk factor for women suffering from breast cancer as it may cause drug resistance, according to a study presented Monday at the annual meeting of the American Cancer Research Association.

Research by professors Robert Clarke and Leena Hilakiv-Clarke, professor of oncology at Georgetown Lombardi Medical Center, studied the reaction in laboratory rats between soy consumption and their response to tamoxifen, a drug that is often applied after primary treatment.

The study, which divided the rats into several groups, showed that those who had been fed soybean or some component that included soybean had responded well to tamoxifen. However, species that began consuming soybeans as adults and after developing breast cancer had resistance to treatment.