Soy Protein Facts | Health Food

Soy is a source of high-quality protein that helps you eat less often and decreases hunger. Soy protein helps to maintain muscle mass during weight loss or body building programs. Here's what nutritionists are saying about soy protein.

Soy is a fast-digesting, high-quality protein source with a superior amino acid profile (it's high in arginine and glutamine as well as the branched-chain amino acids leucine, isoleucine and valine), and isoflavones are powerful antioxidants with multiple health benefits.

In addition, the rumor that soy will have estrogen-like effects in men is bogus. In fact, a recent study found that bodybuilders who consumed soy protein shakes twice a day for 12 weeks had no change in estrogen or testosterone levels, and they gained just as much muscle mass as test subjects who supplemented with whey protein. For best results, look for a soy/whey protein blend and take 20 grams before workouts and another 20-40 grams after.

Soy protein-containing foods (and beverages) can help Americans design a daily diet that meets these goals", says Greg Paul, Ph.D., director of health and nutrition for The Solae Company. Soy protein, unlike other sources of protein, is not only low in fat, but is also cholesterol-free.

Scientific research also indicates that protein provides greater satiety--the feeling of being full--than fat or carbohydrates, which can certainly aid in weight management issues."

The US Food and Drug Administration approved the health claim that "25 g of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease".

Soybeans have over 40 different nutritional compounds. Various soy ingredients are made from the soybean. These ingredients have different nutritional and functional properties. Soy protein is a useful ingredient for high protein snacks such as energy bars and drink mixes.

Inside Soy Protein

The 5th International Symposium on the "Role of Soy" in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease was held in September 2003. Close to 300 health care professionals and researchers from 20 different countries attended this conference.

�A full report on the conference can be found in the May 2004 issue of Journal of Nutrition. Interesting findings that were presented include:

In older Chinese women, higher intakes of soy protein and isoflavones were associated with greater bone density.

Supplements of isoflavones, calcium, and vitamin D resulted in an increase in bone mineral in Chinese women.

When breast-feeding women consume soy, soy isoflavones appear in their breast milk and are absorbed by their infants. The significance of this is not known, although researchers speculate that early exposure to soy may protect against chronic disease in adulthood.

An analysis of a number of studies on soy and hot flashes found that, overall, use of soy products reduced the frequency of hot flashes.

Isoflavone supplements reduced the severity of headaches and other symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Preliminary results suggest that soy isoflavones can improve brain functions, such as memory in older people.

Soy protein may be useful in reducing risk of prostate cancer because it affects male hormone levels.

�Messina M, Erdman J Jr, Setchell KDR. 2004. Fifth International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease. J Nutr 134 (Suppl):1205S-1293S.

How is Soy Protein Good for you?

Soy is used in health foods in several varieties. There is soybean oil, Soy Extract (dried) Soy Lecithin and soy protein Isolate. They are used in such products as Soy milk, soy meat, drinks, nuts, snacks, soups, powders, nutritional shake mixes, even candy bars.

Key Benefits:

Provides all essential amino acids*
Promotes healthy heart, arteries and blood pressure.*
Enables fat to be dispersed in water to remove fatty build up.*
Known to promote energy.
May reduce the risk of hormone dependent cancers.*
May ease menopausal symptoms.*
Forms a protective sheath around the brain.*
Great in helping repair a damaged liver due to alcoholism.*
Has isoflavones and antioxidants
Low in fat and no cholesterol.
Gives you a satisfied, full feeling when eaten.
Promotes healthy blood serum cholesterol.*

Get lean with protein. Getting the right amount of protein will help you reach your weight loss goals. Helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass.

According to the FDA diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include as little as 25 grams of soy a day may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

*Herbal Products Reference Guide, 9th Edition, by: David Lee Miller.

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Soy Protein Facts The perfect Health Food

Inside Soy Protein

Soy Protein Facts
The perfect Health Food