Soy Protein Benefits The Body In Many Ways

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.

A very versatile food product, soy can be enjoyed in so many different ways. A popular base for powdered shakes, it is also the most common ingredient used instead of meat or dairy to manufacture food such as cheese, butter, milk, yogurt, ice cream, hot dogs, and tofu. It can be ground into flour which is then used as a sausage filler, or ingredient in soups, and baked goods. Babies who are lactose-intolerant, are often fed a soy-based formula.

Some studies have indicated that a high amount of dietary soy can offer some protection against certain types of cancer, in particular prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. A phytochemical called "genistein" is thought to prevent tumors from forming the vascular networks needed for growth. More research is needed to further support this theory, but preliminary findings have shown a connection between the two.

The health of the heart and blood vessels is improved by a soy-rich diet as well. Risk of heart attack is reduced by the active isoflavones and phytoestrogens which help promote dilation of the coronary arteries and unobstructed blood flow. Patients with hypertension can also experience healthier blood pressure levels.

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.

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.

Women who are experiencing menopause and are troubled with hot flashes, have found that this problem occurs less often when they are regularly consuming soy-based foods or supplements. Additionally, it has been given credit for keeping the body's calcium stores and bone density in check, which plays a key role in preventing 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.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment