Kentucky Soybean News

The Lean Mean Bean – Soyfoods For Men
April 2004

Admittedly, women are obsessed with soy. Do you know a single woman not trying to get more of it in her diet? In attempts to outsmart our biological clocks (and the impending hot flashes) we drench our cereal with soymilk, sneak soy crumbles into the family meatloaf, and munch on soy nuts with abandon. But here’s a newsflash; soyfoods are not just for women. In fact studies are showing that soy may be more beneficial for the men in our lives.

Primarily, soy has been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. So much so, that the American Cancer Society included soyfoods consumption as one of its seven steps to reduce risk of prostate cancer. To throw even more support soy’s way, a new study done at Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati, found that equol--an obscure molecule that’s created when soy is digested--is a natural and powerful blocker of the male hormone involved in prostate cancer. And here’s a bonus, it’s also the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. Apparently equol can completely halt the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates prostate growth and causes male pattern baldness.

But even if you don’t put a lot of credence in animal studies (this one was conducted on rats) consider this: compared to the United States, the rate of prostate cancer in China and Japan, where soyfood consumption is high, is extremely low.  In fact, it’s about as low as breast cancer rates in those countries. So, next time you’re dousing your cereal with soymilk, save some for your husband, Dad or son. Or try this pork tenderloin recipe made with edamame--hearty and wholesome, it will satisfy the manliest of appetites. 

Molasses-Glazed Pork Tenderloin with Edamame
¼ cup finely chopped prosciutto or 2 slices bacon, coarsely chopped

1 16 oz. package frozen edamame (sweet green soybeans)

½ cup chopped onion

¾ cup water

1 tablespoon olive oil

12  ounces pork tenderloin, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices (11 to 12 slices)

½ cup orange juice

3  tbsp. molasses

1  teaspoon cornstarch

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

2  tablespoon snipped fresh parsley

Steamed spinach or turnip greens (optional)

1. In a large skillet, cook prosciutto or bacon over medium heat until crisp-cooked; drain and set aside.  In the same skillet cook edamame and onion in ¾ cup water according to package directions.  (Do not over cook.)  Drain beans, set aside.

2. Add oil to same skillet; cook tenderloin in hot oil over medium-high heat 4 to 5 minutes or until just barely pink in center, turning once.

3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl stir together orange juice, molasses, cornstarch, salt and pepper.  Add to meat in skillet.  Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly.  Cook and stir about 2 minutes more.  Stir edamame into skillet mixture, heat through.

4. To serve, divide steamed spinach (if using) between four plates.  Spoon meat and bean mixture over steamed spinach.  Top with the bacon or proscuitto; sprinkle with parsley.  Makes 4 servings.

Nutrition facts per serving:  324 cal, 6 g. total fat (1 g. sat. fat), 52 mg. Chol., 460 mg sodium, 38 g carbo., 7 g fiber, 8 g. soy protein, and 29 g. total protein. 

Daily Values:  7% vit. A, 44% vit. C, 8% calcium, and 24% iron.

For more information on the health benefits of soy and “soy-izing” recipes, The “Say Yes to Soy!” brochure is available free of charge by logging on to The Soyfoods Council’s webwsite, www.thesoyfoodscouncil.com and clicking on the “Click here to say yes to soy” icon.  Or, send a self-addressed stamped #10 envelope to:  Christa Beeler, Marketing Assistant, The Soyfoods Council, 4536 114^th Street, Urbandale, Iowa 50322.

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