Facts about Soy Protein
Health and Weight Loss Benefits of Soy Protein
The health benefits of soy protein are widespread. Incorporation of soy protein into the diet has been shown to be beneficial in the prevention and treatment of heart disease, bone disease (osteoporosis), kidney disease and possibly even several types of cancer. Research seems to indicate that soy protein may aid in the prevention of breast cancer.
- Soy contains more protein than milk without the saturated fat or cholesterol. Soya beans are the only beans to be considered a complete protein because they contain all eight essential amino acids.
- Due to it’s high fiber content, the addition of soy foods into a daily diet benefits any weight loss program.
- Soy protein contains high levels of a substance called Tyrosine, which helps to maintain our alertness and mental energy without the need for excess calories. This may be beneficial for weight control.
- Soy is a low-glycemic index food which helps regulate blood-sugar and insulin fluctuations. This helps you to feel more satisfied and less hungry until your next meal, which is beneficial for weight management and control.
- In Japan, where soy consumption is high, women have minimal menopause problems and only about 16% of Western rates of breast cancer.
- Clinical studies show significant reduction in pre- and post-menopausal breast cancers in women eating high amounts of soy.
- As little as 25mg of soy protein a day may decrease levels of LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides.
- Soya reduces “hot flushes” and incidence of osteoporosis. In one study, the addition of 45g of soya flour reduced the number of hot flushes by 40%.
- Certain studies into animal obesity seem to indicate that soy may stimulate the metabolism, which may assist weight loss.
- According to soy researchers at Iowa State University, “Isoflavone-rich soy may attenuate the increase in fat deposition and prevent loss in lean tissue during menopause.” Thus soy may assist weight management and control during menopause.
Guide to Menopause, Weight & Diet
Best Diet Foods For Menopause
Foods to Restrict During Menopause
Best Vitamins For Menopausal Women
Best Minerals For Menopausal Women
Soy Protein – Unanswered Questions
These include:
- What daily dosage of soy is needed to obtain these health and/or weight loss benefits?
- Which iso-flavones in soy (e.g. genistein and daidzein) are most valuable for health/ weight loss?
- Is there a dangerous daily dosage of soy?
- Is soy protein best for health and/or weight loss when consumed in food rich in soy rather than supplements like shakes?
- Is genetically modified soy protein as healthy or beneficial for weight loss as unmodified soy?
- Is commercially processed soy protein as healthy or as beneficial for weight loss as “first generation” soyfoods such as roasted soynuts, soy flour, soy milk, tofu, etc.?
Soy Shakes and Supplements
Clinical trials involving soy protein are continuing. But until these tests on soya provide more answers to these questions, it is best to consult your doctor before taking soy supplements or shakes for specific health or weight loss benefits.
A Note about Healthy Weight Control
Fad diets, unbalanced diets, diet pills, diet supplements, weight loss surgery and other short term weight loss methods are not recommended for permanent weight control. The best way to lose excess fat and maintain a healthy weight in the long term is to follow a balanced calorie-controlled diet (that improves your eating habits) and take regular aerobic exercise. An excellent option is Anne Collins Weight Loss Program
