Soy: Surprisingly Smart & Delicious
By Family Features
All materials courtesy of: Silk Soymilk

Soy ranks among a very select group of foods that provide exceptional nutrition benefits — labeled super foods by author and expert Dr. Steven Pratt. Research indicates that soy may help stem chronic conditions, such as cancer and osteoporosis. Additionally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has stated that diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.*

In a recent survey about 14 foods that Dr. Pratt considers super foods, health professionals ranked soy sixth in importance. The survey of 1,000 adults, conducted by Silk Soymilk, found that three-of-four say they are unfamiliar with the concept of super foods.

To help people understand how simple it can be to incorporate super foods, Silk has joined with Dr. Pratt, concept originator and author of SuperFoods RX and SuperFoods HealthStyle, to develop a new top 10 list of super foods that go beyond nutrition using more relevant criteria such as taste, accessibility, ease of use and seasonality.

Products like Silk Soymilk make it easy to get more soy into your diet. Silk is a smart choice, packed with nutrients, vitamins, minerals and heart-healthy soy protein, and is fortified with calcium. It is also lactose-free, dairy-free and cholesterol-free. 

“By creating a new top 10 super foods list with Silk and providing accompanying recipes, we hope people will see how easy it is to reap the health benefits of super foods,” Dr. Pratt said. 

For super foods recipes, nutritional information and the latest news about soy, log onto www.silksoymilk.com. For more information about Dr. Pratt and SuperFoodsRX, visit www.superfoodsrx.com. 

*In 1999 the FDA issued a health claim for soy and its role in promoting cardiovascular health. Food and Drug Administration. Food labeling, health claims, soy protein, and coronary heart disease. Fed Reg 1999;57:699-733. 

Top 10 Super Foods by Dr. Pratt and Silk:

   - Soymilk
   - Blueberries
   - Oranges
   - Dried fruits
   - Oats
   - Walnuts
   - Yogurt
   - Avocados
   - Broccoli
   - Tea (green or black) 

Recipes Courtesy of Chef Akasha Richmond and Silk Soymilk 

Cream of Broccoli Soup - Serves 4
Super foods include: soymilk, broccoli

            1          tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
            1          large onion, chopped
            2          shallots, peeled and minced
            1          quart vegetable stock
            1          large head broccoli (or 1 1/2 pounds washed and bagged
                        florets, coarsely chopped, stems peeled)
            3          medium zucchini, chopped
            1/2        teaspoon dried thyme
            1 1/2     cups Silk Plain Soymilk
                        Additional extra-virgin olive oil
                        Shredded fresh basil leaves
                        Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
                        Salt and freshly ground  pepper

In large, heavy stockpot over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add onion and shallots; cook until tender and aromatic, about 10 minutes. Add stock, broccoli, zucchini and dried thyme. Bring to boil, reduce heat to low and simmer 15 minutes, or until vegetables are soft. 

Add soymilk; puree soup in blender or food processor in batches, until smooth and creamy. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with olive oil, basil leaves and Parmesan before serving.  

Spinach Salad with Chicken, Avocado, Walnuts and Lemon Basil Dressing - Serves 4
Super foods include: soymilk, walnuts, avocado

            5          ounces baby spinach (about 6 cups)
            2          cups sliced cooked chicken (store-bought roasted chicken
                        works well)
            1/2        cup Lemon-Basil Dressing (recipe follows)
            1          medium avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced
            12         ripe cherry tomatoes, halved
            1/4        cup raw or toasted walnut halves
                        Salt and freshly ground pepper

Lemon-Basil Dressing

            2          tablespoons fresh lemon juice
            1/3        cup Silk Plain Soymilk
            1/3        cup extra-virgin olive oil
            1          teaspoon honey
            2          tablespoon Dijon mustard
            1/4        cup chopped fresh basil
            1/3        cup grated Parmesan cheese 

Place spinach and chicken in large salad bowl. Toss with dressing. Add salt and pepper to taste. Transfer salad to individual salad plates. Arrange avocado and tomato on top of spinach. Sprinkle with walnuts. Serve with additional dressing, if desired.

For dressing, combine lemon juice, soymilk, olive oil, honey, mustard, basil and Parmesan in blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. Makes 1 cup dressing. 

Blueberry-Orange-Vanilla Smoothie - Serves 2
Super foods include: soymilk, blueberries, orange juice

            1 1/2     cups Silk Vanilla Soymilk
            1          banana, sliced into 1-inch pieces and frozen
            1          cup frozen blueberries
            1/4        cup frozen orange juice concentrate
            1          tablespoon honey (orange blossom if available) 

In blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy.