People who are allergic to dairy products or have chosen not to eat meat often rely on soy as an alternative source of protein. This substance is derived from the soybean which is native to southeast Asia, and besides proteins it is also packed with lecithin, fiber, and isoflavones, all of which promote good health. A diet that includes food and supplements containing soy protein benefits many systems of the body.
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.
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.
Cardiac health is also improved. It is believed that the phytoestrogens and isoflavones it contains are responsible for the dilation of coronary arteries, which keeps blood flowing properly through the heart and cuts the risk for myocardial infarction. This can also result in regulation of healthy blood pressure and keep it at safe levels in patients afflicted with hypertension.
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.
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.
Athletes, and bodybuilders may want to be sure to drink a soy-shake each day to help increase lean muscle in the body. Post-workout muscle recovery is assisted by this protein, leading to quicker recovery and less inflammation, resulting in bigger muscles, and less pain associated with the workout.
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.
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.
Cardiac health is also improved. It is believed that the phytoestrogens and isoflavones it contains are responsible for the dilation of coronary arteries, which keeps blood flowing properly through the heart and cuts the risk for myocardial infarction. This can also result in regulation of healthy blood pressure and keep it at safe levels in patients afflicted with hypertension.
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.
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.
Athletes, and bodybuilders may want to be sure to drink a soy-shake each day to help increase lean muscle in the body. Post-workout muscle recovery is assisted by this protein, leading to quicker recovery and less inflammation, resulting in bigger muscles, and less pain associated with the workout.
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