HEALTH BENEFITS OF SOY
HEALTH BENEFITS OF SOY
The FDA has recently approved the use of a “Heart Healthy” label for foods containing soy protein. The consumption of soy protein has been shown to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease by significantly reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol levels. The natural isoflavones in soy protein, especially Diadzein and Genistein are attributed to many of the health benefits of Soy Protein. For example;
Daidzein is a metabolite of a compound know as ipriflavone, which has been shown to inhibit bone loss. Several studies have shown that diets rich in soy products or supplemental isoflavones increase bone density and strength, and reduce calcium excretion in the urine, indicating that soy may be important in the prevention of osteoporosis.
The Isoflavone Genistein has been shown to inhibit certain enzymes involved in cancer cell growth and regulation, and to prevent the new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) that is necessary to feed growing tumors.
The ability of isoflavones to bind to estrogen receptors is also important for controlling menopausal and premenstrual symptoms. By mimicking the role of estrogen in the body, soy isoflavones may be helpful for women who produce too little estrogen (as is the case during menopause) or too much estrogen. A recent study showed that postmenopausal women who consumed soy products for 12 weeks experienced a 40% reduction in hot flashes.
In addition to the benefits of Isoflavones, Soy Protein contains the complete range of amino acids in a highly digestible form in the optimum levels. Also, soy lecithin is an important dietary source of choline. Phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine are two types of choline that have been the focus of recent research. Phosphatidylserine is a vital nutrient for brain cell membranes. Several clinical studies indicate that phosphatidylserine improves learning, concentration, mood, and age-related memory loss. Phosphatidylserine has also been shown to improve athletic performance by suppressing the catabolic stress hormone, cortisol. Phosphatidylcholine is a major building block for all cell membranes. The liver, with its vast area of cell membranes is particularly dependent of phosphatidylcholine and clinical studies reveal that phosphatidylcholine helps individuals recover from toxic liver damage.
Another component of soy, oligosaccharides, provide food for beneficial intestinal bacteria, thereby helping to promote proper balance of microflora.
How can I get beneficial levels of soy protein into my daily diet?
In some Asian countries like Japan, soy beans and soy derived products like Miso, Tofu, and Nato are a regular part of most meals consumed throughout the day. In North America and most Western Countries where soy based foods are not the norm, the fastest and easiest way to get beneficial amounts of soy protein into your daily diet is with soy drinks like Soy Milk and Soy Shakes. In addition to providing beneficial amounts of soy protein and isoflavones in your daily diet, some soy drinks have added nutrients like antioxidant formulas that help in the battle against free radical cell degeneration caused by factors like the natural aging process, illness, disease, pollution, and chemicals and fats in food. A nutritionally balanced Soy Milk Shake can provide the perfect fast, healthy, and tasty meal substitute for those of us who are constantly on-the-go and don’t want to neglect our health.
Written by: BioSynergy Health Alternatives
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