Find Out How Soy Protein Benefits Your 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.

Soy is something that can be enjoyed in a large selection of different foods and beverages. It is commonly used as a substitute for meat or milk and can be used to produce milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, ice cream, hot dogs, tofu, and powdered supplements. Soybeans are dried and ground into flour which is then added to soups, pastries, and fillers for sausages. Infants who cannot tolerate lactose, may be given a soy-based formula.

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.

Lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol by as much as 10 percent is yet another advantage of eating soy-rich food or supplement shakes. Soy protein breaks apart the plasma in this potentially harmful type of cholesterol, but it does not affect HDL, or "good" cholesterol in this way. This effect has been noted in particular in men, who can benefit considerably by including four servings of this protein in their daily food consumption, more research is needed to determine if the same is true for women.

Blood levels of glucose, as well as insulin, and fats, can be regulated by having a high intake of this potent protein, which is good news for both diabetic patients and people who are trying to lose weight. Many dieters include protein shakes as part of their diet plan since they can be very effective for making one feel satiated, and less prone to overeating.

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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