What is Soy Protein?
People across the world have enjoyed the benefits of soy for thousands of years. Soy provides a high quality protein, and it is the only plant source protein with all 8 essential amino acids. Additionally, soy contains many beneficial compounds, such as isoflavones, which may provide several health benefits.
Health Benefits
According to research, a healthy diet that includes soy may lower blood cholesterol levels, effectively reducing the risk for arteriosclerosis and heart disease. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the American Heart Association recommend consuming 25 grams of soy protein per day as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol for heart health. In addition, research shows that Asian populations who regularly consume soy foods have a lower occurrence of heart disease as compared to populations that consume the typical "Western" diet.
Preliminary studies are researching the possible preventative properties soy may have with hormone-related cancers, including breast and prostate cancer. More research is necessary.
Soy may also help reduce the discomfort associated with the symptoms of menopause, in part due to the isoflavones found in soy. Isoflavones, or phytoestrogens, are plant compounds that gently replicate the actions of estrogen in humans. Basically, the phytoestrogens fill in open estrogen receptors, effectively reducing estrogen effects in those with too much estrogen, and balancing estrogen levels in those deficient of the hormone.
Soy supplements such as soy protein powder and soy protein bars are an excellent way to add soy protein to the diet, especially for those who do not care for the taste of whole soybean-based foods.
Usage Indications
Soy protein is widely available in a variety of foods and supplements. Foods such as edamame (whole soybeans), tofu, soy milk, soy cheese, soy yogurt, soy nuts/nut butters and miso are excellent sources of soy protein.
- Side effects: Do not consume soy protein products if you are allergic to soy. Soy products may reduce the effectiveness of the breast cancer drug tamoxifen, as well as the osteoporosis drug raloxifene. Consult your physician if you have breast cancer or are taking either of these two medications before consuming soy products. May cause gastrointestinal discomfort in sensitive individuals. Soy products may aggravate the symptoms associated with gout.
Because protein is a necessary component of the human diet, there are generally no negative side effects to consuming it. However, excessive consumption of protein may cause stress to the kidneys in some individuals.
- Indications: Although consumption of soy in pregnant/nursing women is believed safe, more research is necessary to confirm this. There is no known danger of consuming soy products in infants and children. Soy products may interfere with the absorption of the minerals iron and zinc. If you have kidney disease, consult the appropriate health care professional about consuming soy protein.