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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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