A long-time staple of vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant, soy is considered to be an excellent source of dietary protein. Soybeans which are a crop that is native to southeast Asia are dried, processed, and used to manufacture a variety of foods and supplements. Rich in isoflavones, lecithin, and fiber, soy protein benefits the body in a multitude of 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 cardiovascular system also fares well from the many isoflavones and phytoestrogens found in soy products. These chemicals promote the dilation of the coronary arteries necessary for healthy blood flow and reduced heart attack risk. Patients with hypertension will also find that their blood pressure levels are closer to normal.
Lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol by as much as 10 percent is yet another advantage of eating soy-rich food or supplement shakes. Soy protein breaks apart the plasma in this potentially harmful type of cholesterol, but it does not affect HDL, or "good" cholesterol in this way. This effect has been noted in particular in men, who can benefit considerably by including four servings of this protein in their daily food consumption, more research is needed to determine if the same is true for women.
Diabetics can use it to assist them in maintaining acceptable levels of glucose in the blood, and balance fats and insulin too. People who are dieting will find a tasty soy-shake to be the perfect complement to their weight loss program, as it makes one feel full longer, and helps prevent the tendency to overeat.
The hot flashes of menopause have also been shown to occur less often in women who increase their intake of this nutrient, most likely because of its high phytoestrogen content. Furthermore, it is also considered to help balance bone density and calcium in the body, which is essential in the prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
Bodybuilders, athletes, and anyone training for a sporting event would be wise to drink a daily protein-shake if they want to maximize their lean muscle development and performance. It facilitates faster recovery and reduces inflammation following a workout, which not only means less pain but also bigger muscles and more energy.
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 cardiovascular system also fares well from the many isoflavones and phytoestrogens found in soy products. These chemicals promote the dilation of the coronary arteries necessary for healthy blood flow and reduced heart attack risk. Patients with hypertension will also find that their blood pressure levels are closer to normal.
Lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol by as much as 10 percent is yet another advantage of eating soy-rich food or supplement shakes. Soy protein breaks apart the plasma in this potentially harmful type of cholesterol, but it does not affect HDL, or "good" cholesterol in this way. This effect has been noted in particular in men, who can benefit considerably by including four servings of this protein in their daily food consumption, more research is needed to determine if the same is true for women.
Diabetics can use it to assist them in maintaining acceptable levels of glucose in the blood, and balance fats and insulin too. People who are dieting will find a tasty soy-shake to be the perfect complement to their weight loss program, as it makes one feel full longer, and helps prevent the tendency to overeat.
The hot flashes of menopause have also been shown to occur less often in women who increase their intake of this nutrient, most likely because of its high phytoestrogen content. Furthermore, it is also considered to help balance bone density and calcium in the body, which is essential in the prevention of osteoporosis in post-menopausal women.
Bodybuilders, athletes, and anyone training for a sporting event would be wise to drink a daily protein-shake if they want to maximize their lean muscle development and performance. It facilitates faster recovery and reduces inflammation following a workout, which not only means less pain but also bigger muscles and more energy.
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