Writing in the forthcoming July issue, author Maureen Callahan reports on ``Five Foods Men and Women Need Most,'' and says that foods high in soy protein are among the foods recommended particularly for women.

"Foods high in soy protein can lower cholesterol and may minimize menopausal hot flashes and strengthen bone,'' the Reader's Digest article says. The reason is that soy foods contain isoflavones, the plant chemicals found at their highest level in soybeans.

The article cites one study on human consumption of soy that found that 90 milligrams of isoflavones daily was "beneficial to bone, specifically the spine.''

"Two other studies suggest that 50 to 76 milligrams of isoflavones a day may offer some relief from hot flashes,'' the Reader's Digest said. Half a cup of tofu contains about 25 to 35 milligrams of isoflavones, the article pointed out.

Other foods recommended for women were papaya, flaxseed, buffalo meat and collard greens. For men, the article recommended tomato sauce, oysters, broccoli, peanut butter and watermelon.