Wednesday, February 25, 2015

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.

The harmful effects of LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol can be effectively combated by eating supplements and foods made from soy. Cholesterol molecules are disintegrated by this protein which attacks their plasma. Good cholesterol, or HDL is not affected. Men have been shown to respond particularly well in this sense, and by including four servings of soy per day, they can reduce their LDL by up to 10 percent, further research is aimed at determining if this is also true with female subjects.

Diabetics can use it to assist them in maintaining acceptable levels of glucose in the blood, and balance fats and insulin too. People who are dieting will find a tasty soy-shake to be the perfect complement to their weight loss program, as it makes one feel full longer, and helps prevent the tendency to overeat.

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.

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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