SOY IS NOT A HEALTH FOOD The Israeli Health Ministry recently issued a health advisory strongly recommending that soy foods be eaten only in moderation. It also recommended that soy formula be avoided altogether by infants. There are hundreds of studies linking soy with such disorders as: * Digestive problems * Thyroid dysfunction * ADD and ADHD * Dementia * Reproductive disorders * Cancer Phytoestrogens are the Culprit The Israeli Ministry based its advice on the findings of a panel of nutritionists, oncologists, pediatricians, and other specialists who spent over a year looking at the available evidence. They concluded that the phytoestrogens in soy (estrogen-like plant hormones) can be harmful. Their recommendations are in accord with those made by the United Kingdom's chief medical officer and the British Dietetic Association. The panel found that: * The evidence that soy alleviates menopausal symptoms is inconsistent. * Soy phytoestrogens increase the risk of breast cancer. * Soy phytoestrogens can also reduce male fertility. They also noted that, while soy has been shown to reduce blood cholesterol, there is no proof that it reduces the risk of heart disease. The panel concluded that the proven risks of soy foods outweigh the possible benefits. I am happy saving money by paying the farmer, rather than the rancher, for food. I feel healthier and I believe I will live a longer active life, without meat. Vitamins, enzymes and essential nutrition come from the plant world. I love all the veggies, spices and wine in beef stew. Without vegetables and spices a stew is just the piece of cow boiled in water. We enjoy the flavor of the roasted vegetables, so who needs the beef?  We at Mana Diet have developed an alternative to meat that has a high protein content, is derived from yellow garden peas, and is almost flavorless. For me, as a chef, this meat alternative provides me with the opportunity to add any flavor and to make it better then any butcher can. The FDA says 50 grams (two ounces) of protein per day is enough, so we can do without a pound of beef; just 2 ounces will do. We can also get our protein a healthier way and use Chef Peter’s Veggie Fillet, our alternative meat.  GOURMET DELIGHTS Simmer leeks in wine with mint… sauté Portobello mushrooms… broiled pears, mmmm… rambutan…. These add zest to your life, and not one piece of meat! Oh don’t forget the organic wine and beer, both are vegetarian drinks. I’ll drink to that. “Oi’ola!”