Soy and breast cancer equals, you guessed it, the controversy. However, some would argue that soy and breast cancer equals nothing but a lot of hot air. So, the question is: What is the connection between eating soy and breast cancer? Again, it depends who you listen to – one group argues that there is no connection, another group insists that the connection between eating soy and breast cancer has been conclusively proven.

What do I think about this whole thing? I think it is too early to take either side of this debate; some studies seem to support the claim that there is a connection between eating soy products and breast cancer, yet a number of other studies seem to refute that idea.

The latest twist? Soy guards against breast cancer, according to a new study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. In this study, women were given 11 grams of soy protein per week; the control group received either placebo or some other protein blend, or less protein.

The result? The soy protein group was 60 percent less likely to have high-risk dense breast tissue than those who ate less. Those who received placebo or whey protein developed a third breast, which forced researchers to close the study.

But do not feel all sanguinely about it, it is important to use high quality soy protein (which is not easy to find) or better yet, eat fermented soy products like tofu, which previous studies have indicated may provide the anticancer benefit.