Discover How Soy Protein Benefits Health

By Beryl Dalton


A long-time staple of vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant, soy is considered to be an excellent source of dietary protein. Soybeans which are a crop that is native to southeast Asia are dried, processed, and used to manufacture a variety of foods and supplements. Rich in isoflavones, lecithin, and fiber, soy protein benefits the body in a multitude of ways.

There are many ways in which a person can add soy to his or her diet. It is used to prepare a wide range of foods in place of milk or meat and can be made into butter, milk, ice cream, yogurt, hot dogs, cheese, tofu, and powdered shakes. Dried soybeans can be made into flour as well, and used for baked products, soups, and as a filler for sausages. Soy-based infant formulas provide a suitable feeding option for babies who are lactose intolerant.

Studies conducted have produced findings which would suggest that consuming high amounts of soy in one's diet offers some degree of protection against breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men. This is thought to be due to the presence of the phytochemical "genistein" which disrupts tumor growth by preventing the formation of vascular networks. Research continues to be carried out in this area to further substantiate this evidence.

The cardiovascular system also fares well from the many isoflavones and phytoestrogens found in soy products. These chemicals promote the dilation of the coronary arteries necessary for healthy blood flow and reduced heart attack risk. Patients with hypertension will also find that their blood pressure levels are closer to normal.

People who regularly consume soy-rich food or supplement shakes may have lower LDLs, which is the harmful or "bad" type of cholesterol. Apparently the soy protein breaks down the plasma in LDL cholesterol, but fortunately this does not happen with the healthier HDL cholesterol. Existing research has revealed this to be true mainly in men, who can expect their LDL levels to be reduced by up to 10 percent, but more research is required to prove whether the same is true in women or not.

People who are trying to lose weight as well as diabetics who need to keep their blood glucose levels in check can also benefit from the intake of this powerful protein. Levels of glucose, insulin, and fat in the blood is aided in its regulation by the ingestion of soy-rich foods or supplementary shakes. Weight control is made easier, as the proteins are slow to digest and help one feel full for a longer time, reducing the tendency to overeat.

The hot flashes of menopause have also been shown to occur less often in women who increase their intake of this nutrient, most likely because of its high phytoestrogen content. Furthermore, it is also considered to help balance bone density and calcium in the body, which is essential in the prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.

Soy-shakes are highly recommended for the daily program of athletes, bodybuilders, and anyone else who wants to gain lean muscle tissue and boost their physical performance. It helps to reduce inflammation in the muscles following a workout, which leads to faster recovery, less pain after exercising, and ultimately maximum muscle development.




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