The Healing Power of Soy’s Isoflavones

By Monique N. Gilbert

Numerous reports indicate that, because soy is high in isoflavones, it can prevent illness and promote good health.

Isoflavones are a class of phytochemicals, which are compounds found only in plants (phyto means plant).  They are also a type of phytoestrogen, or plant hormone, that resembles human estrogen in chemical structure yet are weaker.  By mimicking human estrogen at certain sites in the body, isoflavones provide many health benefits that help you to avoid disease.  Isoflavones are found in soybeans, chick peas and other legumes.  However, soybeans are unique because they have the highest concentration of these powerful compounds.  Soy contains many individual isoflavones, but the most beneficial are genistein and daidzein.

Isoflavones show tremendous potential to fight disease on several fronts.  They have been shown to help prevent the buildup of arterial plaque, which reduces the risk of coronary heart disease and stroke.

Isoflavones may help reduce breast cancer by blocking the cancer-causing effects of human estrogen.  They may also prevent prostate cancer by hindering cell growth.  Isoflavones can fight osteoporosis by stimulating bone formation and inhibiting bone resorption.  They may even relieve some menopausal symptoms as well.

Soy isoflavones have antioxidant properties which protect the cardiovascular system from oxidation of LDL (the bad) cholesterol.  Oxidized LDL cholesterol accumulates in the arteries as patches of fatty buildup which blocks the flow of blood, resulting in atherosclerosis.

Genistein inhibits the growth of cells that form this artery clogging plaque.  Arteries damaged by atherosclerosis usually form blood clots.  This can lead to a heart attack if the clot goes to the heart, or a stroke if it goes to the brain.

Being a weak form of estrogen, isoflavones can compete at estrogen receptor sites, blocking the stronger version naturally produced by the body from exerting its full effect.  Since high blood levels of estrogen are an established risk factor for breast cancer; weaker forms of estrogen may provide protection against this disease.  Genistein has been found to hinder breast cancer as well as prostate cancer.

Results from a new University of California study show that genistein slowed prostate cancer growth and caused prostate cancer cells to die.  It acts against cancer cells in a way similar to many common cancer-treating drugs.

Isoflavones also play an important role in protecting and maintaining strong and healthy bones.  Evidence shows that genistein and daidzein prevent bones from breaking down.  Independent studies conducted at the University of Illinois and the University of Hong Kong concluded that consuming soy isoflavones can increase bone mineral content and bone density.  Another study at the University of Texas suggested that isoflavones may also stimulate bone formation.

By preserving bone health, increasing bone mass and inducing bone turnover, researchers noted the potential role of soy isoflavones in preventing, and possibly even reversing, the effects of osteoporosis.

The North American Menopause Society suggests that soy isoflavones can also be a natural alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for relief of mild menopausal symptoms.  It may help offset the drop in estrogen and regulate its fluctuations that occur at menopause.  Many women have reported a reduction in their hot flashes and night sweats when they regularly consume soy foods, like tempeh or tofu.

All these findings suggest eating soy foods, natural sources of isoflavones, can protect and enhance your overall health.  Isoflavones work together with soy protein in fighting disease.  Studies show that isoflavones account for approximately three-fourths of soy’s protection, while its protein is responsible for about one-fourth.  The best way to consume isoflavones is in food form, so that you can benefit from all of soy’s nutrients and beneficial compounds.  The highest amounts of isoflavones and soy protein are found in tempeh, whole soybeans (like edamame), textured soy protein, soynuts, tofu and soymilk.  Researchers recommend consuming at least one to two servings a day.  A serving is equal to 1 ounce of soynuts; 4 ounces of tempeh, textured soy protein (cooked), or edamame; or 8 ounces of soymilk.

For those new to soy, I recommend slowly adding it to your diet, until you develop a taste for it.  In spaghetti sauces, replace ground beef with textured soy protein.  Use tofu instead ricotta cheese in lasagna, or make herb dips with it in a food processor.  Use soymilk to cream soups or make smoothies.  People on the run can always eat soynuts.  Tempeh is one of the easiest soy foods prepare.  To make a grilled tempeh sandwich, just cut it into slices, sprinkle on some soy sauce, saute with sliced onions and pile it on some bread.  Remember, you will only continue to eat healthy foods if they taste good.  So, experiment and have fun trying out new ways to enjoy soy.

To learn more about the health benefits of soy, visit the Virtues of Soy
website at http://www.geocities.com/virtuesofsoy/

Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc., has received international recognition for helping people get healthier, feel better, look younger and live longer. Through her coaching program and writings, Monique motivates, inspires and teaches how to naturally enhancing your health, happiness, energy and longevity with balanced nutrition, physical activity and tranquil living environments. Monique believes it is her mission to educate and enlighten everyone about the benefits of healthy eating and a vibrant stress-free lifestyle. For more information, visit her website – http://www.MoniqueNGilbert.com

Heavy Metal Sex

By Leonardo Calcagno

The robot fetish is alive and well because some of us are having wild sex with humanoids, wind-up toys, human mannequins, mechanical dolls and other things resembling human genitals.

Digital sex is the way to the future! Plug your genitals with ultra sensitive sensors, open yourself to the possibility of the Internet and voila! You can enjoy sex with somebody in Tokyo while at home in Montreal. Digital sex is pretty far-out…. But now close your eyes. Imagine yourself caressing a beautiful humanoid body. The cold metal body presses next to your body and responds to your every command with the push of a button. Imagine licking your lips with lust when the robot from Metropolis [Fritz Lang movie] comes out on the screen or mentally undressing those Manga robots or better having wet dreams with the robot maid from the Jetsons!

If you have had this thoughts or any wet dreams of sex with a robot… well you are not alone. The robot fetish is alive and well as some of us are having wild sex with humanoids, wind-up toys, human mannequins, mechanical dolls or any mechanical being close to a human. I had the chance for an e-mail interview with David, a sexual robot fetishist, to understand the thrill of metal.

Sex with robots! I heard about dolls, but tell me why robots?

David: I don’t know! I love the perfect curve that won’t ever go away with age. The perfect doll face always smiling at you and controlling her movement…. It’s just a dazzling feeling. It’s a fascinating idea to have an extremely passive, very submissive lover that can be controled with a switch or a command.

Do you have sex with people?

I do, but it’s very rare. I rather have a robot.

Do the works of Sorayama pinups arouse you?

Oh, god yes! His images are so perfect and the union between human and machine is so sexy. There’s something about a Sorayama robot sexually that it becomes an erotica dreamland of desire and lust. You just want to kiss them and fool around with them.

Like any fetish group, do you guys have different type of robot fetishisms?

Sure. We have those who lust about robots but won’t have sex with them. There are those who have sex with robots or humanoids; and there are those who are cruel and have extreme dominant/submissive sexual play, where the robot can be dismantled in a rape scene… but those are very rare.

Why rare?

Because having sex with a robot is like having sex with a human. It has to be a passion consumed by two people with respect. There’s a preparation of flirting and love making at the same stage as humans. Of course she or he is made out of plastic or metal but there is respect.

Is there sex with a windup doll?

There are those who prefer windup dolls. Personally I don’t, because there is this time lapse that I don’t like. I prefer robots that you can plug in and with artificial intelligence that comes with emotional and sexual response circuits responding to your needs.

Can you tell me about the preparation?

You need a lot of imagination and deep desire for the robot or humanoid…. It needs to feel pampered and loved. You need to change her clothes, picking from a preset wardrobe, like a doll. Change her hair style, do her manicure. Candle dinners and spending time with the robot.

Do you have different robots to be used for different purposes?

Yes I do. I have three robots: Lucy is a blonde robot who I share my sentimental life with. She’s made out of silicon and has a beautiful doll face. Elvira is a black robot with a minimum artificial intelligence and sensors so she can moan, say “I love you” and tell my name while we are intimate. Brandy, she’s more sophisticated, she can move her lips to kiss me. She’s exactly like Elvira but when you plug her in, she heats up. Everyone has her own personality.

What is alt.sex.fetish.robots?

The alt.sex.fetish.robots (ASFR) newsgroup is dedicated to the discussion of the concept of sex with or sexual attraction to robots and robot-like beings. This can range from metallic, non-humanoid machines to humanoid androids. Discussions can deal with specific fantasies, fiction relating to the topic and connected ideas like people behaving like/turned into human mannequins, dolls, toys, and other hypnosis and mesmerism fantasies that involve the mechanical/monotone response that appeals to the members.

Isn’t all this about the “woman as sex object” thing that women’s groups complain about?

If anything, techno-sexualism is the exact opposite of the objectification of women — it’s the feminization of objects. Why force a woman to do something she doesn’t want to (something I find reprehensible) when you can create something that not only WANTS to do it, but LOVES to, because it’s what she was built for. Radical feminists are always trying to get along without men, why can’t we try the opposite? Many have said it’s the ultimate male fantasy. Guilt-free, repercussion free. A robot girl is there for you, she’ll never say no, she’ll never get tired, and she’s always pretty. But I think there’s just something lovely about a pretty girl. And the robot girl is the (il)logical end result – a girl who has no purpose other than to be pretty. To please her man (or woman, there are female members) is all she’s programmed for.

Any good movies about sex with robots?

Android – Klaus Kinski as a mad scientist on a space station who builds two androids for company, one of them a sexy blonde.

Beach Fever – Teens develop love potion, which is then stolen by gangsters who use it to turn women into prostitutes. Some of the entranced women act quite stiff and robotic. .

Blade Runner – Kind of goes without saying, doesn’t it? Little action at all, really, save for a scene where Darryl Hannah plays mannequin to trap Harrison Ford.

Cherry 2000 – Near-future SF film about a pleasure droid who malfunctions and the search for a replacement in the typical Dystopian wasteland. A few nice moves, near the beginning and right at the end.

Cybersex – Man hacks into what looks like a singles bulletin board, but is actually a control system for a female military robot. It breaks free to meet her new lover. Nice costumes and sets, a good start up or two, but not much else.

Frankenhooker – Guy’s girl dies in a lawnmower accident, and he rebuilds her using parts of hookers. Hilarious film by Frank Hennenlotter (Basket Case)

Living Doll – Porn film about a toy store full of randy dolls, including an “Electronic” woman doll, a teddy bear

Mannequin/Mannequin 2 – One woman in each film are mannequins that come to life when alone with their love.

Metropolis – The classic silent film by Fritz Lang. The Maria automaton is a classic design, and her human form is also quite sensual

Night of the Living Debbies – Nina Hartley stars in this film about a (all together now) mad scientist who builds robot sex dolls, including a robotic blowjob.

RoboSex – Aliens kidnap people, turn them into sex robots in an attempt to take over the world.

Robotrix – Hong Kong action flick about an android made in the image of a dead lady cop. Some nudity, some non-consensual sex (not by the robot though.)

Space Virgins – Porn film parody of Invaders from Mars. People are taken over by aliens and have some very impressive robotic sex.

Bionic Woman/Six Million Dollar Man – Aside from title characters, Fembots seen in assorted episodes.

Where can you get robot or humanoid porno?

Get the catalog for five bucks by writing to:
SWV Catalog
PO Box 33664
Seattle WA 98133
or call them at (206) 361-3759

Also attend many Sci-Fi and horror conventions, where many other of the films and TV shows may be found.

Leonardo Calcagno, well know writer in Montreal Canada. He’s been writing for local Canadian, Americano and European e-zines and zines in French, Spanish and English for almost 5 years. More known to get hate letters from right-wing housewives and to get into fights with promoters who don’t let him interview bands! You will mostly see him eating tofu dogs and drinking Guinness with his laptop in Montreal writing another article about politics, music and sex. Graduated with a bachelor degree in International Politics with a minor on international law… his parents are still wondering why he took on a life of sex writer! Tattooed with Che, Husker Du and ARA! Played chino-Hispanic punk on Les Kalisses D’immigrant, Trash Blues on Les Tetes Reduites and now stoner rock on Your Sister ! He contributes on Freezerbox.com, Kerozen, Indymedia.org, Stooky.com, Eroticandy.com, Biotech Montreal Action, QuebecTel, Zona de Obra and other zines!

For more of Leonardo’s work, please visit www.montrealnightguide.com and www.montrealconfidential.com

Chat Me Up, Baby!

By S.D. Craig

What has the big bad world of the internet done?  Oh my goodness. The world where you can meet a future spouse online. I tripped into IRC one day in June, 1996, unaware what a chat program was.  Interesting concept, this chatting by myself in a room on a chair in front of a screen.  But what’s this you say?  I’m chatting with other people doing the same?  Wow.  Okay.  As time progressed, I began to fall in with the regulars, and understand a bit about the whole process.

You could be whomever you wanted to be online. You could be female, five foot two and black, and tell the other chatter you were a six-foot white male. You could drive a BMW, instead of a tuna boat. Very interesting.

I am here to address the untruths about the untruths on chat programs. When you are on a computer, you can lie, cheat, steal, plagiarize, be an idiot, or start flame wars until God swoops down to get you. First timers on chat are appalled at some of the things that can go on.  Don’t be naive.  There are idiots everywhere in the world.  Even on your computer.  Yes, even in your church.  The good news?  They can’t get to you unless you’re being a naive fool.

My confusion with the entire uproar of the past few years over internet meetings between friends is simple. What is so very different about it? Yes, the concept is uniquely new.  I’ll give you that. Having met my husband in a most innocent way on this chat program, I do feel I should explain to the non-chatters out there. It’s my duty.

On the internet you will have opportunities to meet people.  It is up to you to use your common sense. If you lack in this area, then have a few good friends help you out with their feedback. I say friends because families see red when it comes to these things. Trust me, I know. What I enjoyed about the idea of internet meetings was not the blind-date thing, but that I could do it on my own terms.  I could chat with a guy a year (or two) before I allowed him to come meet me.  This would, of course, weed out the ones who weren’t interested in the real me.  I could use a fake name, nickname, or whatever.  Tell him I lived in Arkansas when I’m in Utah.  There are any number of things an enterprising single person can do.  It just takes some reality checks, and a reasonably sane person.

You can meet a man in a bar claiming to be single with a wedding band in his pocket, can’t you?  What makes that any less risky?  I’d say it was a lot riskier.

If you arrange an internet meeting, do it where you are comfortable. Before this happens, I’d advise knowing this person’s numbers both at work and home, and verifying they work.  Knowing where he/she works, lives, their real name.  Make sure they know your sister or friend knows all the information, too. Have a friend, if you’re nervous, meet there with you, or spy from the sidelines.  Whatever makes it work for you. I’ve met a few people at a time before, and we’ve gone dancing and it was great. You can exchange photos on the internet. If someone thinks to send you a Meg Ryan or Brad Pitt look-alike photo — well, the truth can’t be hidden upon meeting, now, can it? Also, I suggest for your ease, try to meet them in a channel listed for your area, i.e. #California if that’s where you live.  Just ask around in the chat program channels, if you’re not sure how to do this.

Huge phone bills and that whole long-distance thing is NO fun.  But I’ve known people that were in New Zealand to hook up with a New Yorker. Anything can happen on the internet. Once you’ve met or even talked on the phone, the chat thing doesn’t seem the same as before. If you’re two thousand miles apart, it can suffice. I know that, too.

My main concern is that with the ease of using the chat programs and the thousands that are out there, I just hope that you’ll use some savvy in your dealings.

I know for me, approaching middle-age and being thrown into the single world once again, I had no idea how or where to date.  Most of my friends were married or tied down.  I lived in a small country town. You get the picture. IRC opened up a whole new world of people to me, and if you’re a writer, you can do real well on there. You’ll be noticed and make friends quickly.

It’s up to you how to cultivate that scenario.  Just be safe.

SD Craig is a freelance writer and editor of LovingYourCurves.com and was given the nickname “Chatterbox” by fellow writers. At age fifty, Craigs Southern flair and sense of humor give her plenty to write about with a rapier wit and a wacky outlook. Her articles on body image (her biggest passion), marriage/divorce and relationships, family, friends, career issues, computers, the Internet, horses, baseball, movie reviews and writing tips remind one of Erma Bombeck or Dave Barry. A freelance writer who once juggled five columns then got real, Craig welcomes your e-mails and feedback on her articles. Drop her a hello at sdcraig922@yahoo.com or stop by www.lovingyourcurves.com.