Soy protein is very healthy: it is very low in fat, contains no cholesterol and contains phytochemicals. The main phytochemicals in soy protein are isoflavones, saponins and phytc acid. These phytochemicals are strong antioxidants but have many other properties. Soy protein and its associated phytochemicals seem to reduce heart disease, osteoporosis and risk of cancer. Soy protein has a lot of many unique benefits that makes it a top notch protein. IT is probably one of the most important aspect of a vegetarian diet.
Since vegetarians do not consume meat. But it doesn t mean only vegetarians uses soy protein. A lot of people uses soy protein in their diets and soy protein supplements.
But why is it a terrific substitute for animal protein? That is because it offers a complete amino acid profile. Soy protein contains all the amino acids that is essential to human nutrition. They are essential since thay cannot be synthesized by our bodies, but must be obtained from the foods we eat.
Soy protein has its benefits. They are the best substitutes for meat protein. Soy protein are proven to have reduce cholesterol levels. Soy protein reduces the risks of heart related diseases. And they helps to increase nutritional value of other foods. This is because of its complete amino acid profile. And it also contains extra amounts of various amino acids.
Epidemiological studies suggest that soy protein may reduce the risk of certain cancers, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. Japanese women, who eat a lot of soy protein (mainly from soy tofu and miso), have a much lower risk of breast cancer or prostate cancer than Western people have. The anti cancer effect of soy protein could be explained by the phytochemicals, which are associated with the soy protein. These phytochemicals include the isoflavones genistein, daidzein and glycitein, phytic acid, saponins and protease inhibitors. Isoflavones and phytic acid have strong antioxidant properties and can prevent oxidative damage by free radical to our DNA and cells. Shu X.O. et all suggest that high soy intake during adolescence may reduce the risk of breast cancer in later life (Soyfood Intake during Adolescence and Subsequent Risk of Breast Cancer among Chinese Women. Cancer Epid Biomarkers Prev. 10: 483 488). The inverse association between soy protein intake and reduces risk of breast cancer was observed for each group of soyfoods examined.
FDA determined that diets with 4 servings of soy per day can reduce LDL cholesterol by up to 10 . Another benefit of soy protein is that it reduces LDL cholesterol without affecting HDL cholesterol. Studies shows that soy protein reduces plasma concentrations of LDL cholesterol but not affecting HDL cholesterol. Other than these well known benefits, soy protein also reduces risks of other ilnesses such as prostate cancer, colon cancer and osteoporosis.
So where can we get soy protein in our daily diet? Well you can get plenty from tofu, soy cheese and soy milk etc. Alternatively, you can get soy protein supplements. Soy protein supplements can be purchased online or retail.
Author Resource:
Aziz Omer is the expert in health and fitness. To learn more about healthy diets and other physical training methodology, please visit http://www.taftclub.com/
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