Soy has gained attention in recent years as a good alternative source of protein for those who cannot or choose not to eat meat and dairy. Derived from the soybean which is indigenous to southeast Asia, soy is also rich in fiber, isoflavones, and lecithin. Eating foods or supplements which contain soy protein benefits one's health in numerous 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.
There has been some research conducted which suggests there is a connection between consuming high amounts of dietary soy, and protection from some forms of cancer, namely breast and prostate cancers. This is believed to be due to the effect of a phytochemical known as "genistein" which works to prevent tumors from vascularizing, thus halting their growth.
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.
People who regularly consume soy-rich food or supplement shakes may have lower LDLs, which is the harmful or "bad" type of cholesterol. Apparently the soy protein breaks down the plasma in LDL cholesterol, but fortunately this does not happen with the healthier HDL cholesterol. Existing research has revealed this to be true mainly in men, who can expect their LDL levels to be reduced by up to 10 percent, but more research is required to prove whether the same is true in women or not.
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 going through menopause have also shown some positive health effects when increasing the amount of these nutrients they consume. Improvement has been noted in the reduced incidence of hot flashes in some women. It is also understood to promote the balance of calcium and bone density, which is needed to prevent osteoporosis in women who are post-menopausal.
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.
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.
There has been some research conducted which suggests there is a connection between consuming high amounts of dietary soy, and protection from some forms of cancer, namely breast and prostate cancers. This is believed to be due to the effect of a phytochemical known as "genistein" which works to prevent tumors from vascularizing, thus halting their growth.
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.
People who regularly consume soy-rich food or supplement shakes may have lower LDLs, which is the harmful or "bad" type of cholesterol. Apparently the soy protein breaks down the plasma in LDL cholesterol, but fortunately this does not happen with the healthier HDL cholesterol. Existing research has revealed this to be true mainly in men, who can expect their LDL levels to be reduced by up to 10 percent, but more research is required to prove whether the same is true in women or not.
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 going through menopause have also shown some positive health effects when increasing the amount of these nutrients they consume. Improvement has been noted in the reduced incidence of hot flashes in some women. It is also understood to promote the balance of calcium and bone density, which is needed to prevent osteoporosis in women who are post-menopausal.
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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