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.
Some studies have indicated that a high amount of dietary soy can offer some protection against certain types of cancer, in particular prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. A phytochemical called "genistein" is thought to prevent tumors from forming the vascular networks needed for growth. More research is needed to further support this theory, but preliminary findings have shown a connection between the two.
Cardiac health is also improved. It is believed that the phytoestrogens and isoflavones it contains are responsible for the dilation of coronary arteries, which keeps blood flowing properly through the heart and cuts the risk for myocardial infarction. This can also result in regulation of healthy blood pressure and keep it at safe levels in patients afflicted with hypertension.
The harmful effects of LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol can be effectively combated by eating supplements and foods made from soy. Cholesterol molecules are disintegrated by this protein which attacks their plasma. Good cholesterol, or HDL is not affected. Men have been shown to respond particularly well in this sense, and by including four servings of soy per day, they can reduce their LDL by up to 10 percent, further research is aimed at determining if this is also true with female subjects.
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.
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.
Some studies have indicated that a high amount of dietary soy can offer some protection against certain types of cancer, in particular prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. A phytochemical called "genistein" is thought to prevent tumors from forming the vascular networks needed for growth. More research is needed to further support this theory, but preliminary findings have shown a connection between the two.
Cardiac health is also improved. It is believed that the phytoestrogens and isoflavones it contains are responsible for the dilation of coronary arteries, which keeps blood flowing properly through the heart and cuts the risk for myocardial infarction. This can also result in regulation of healthy blood pressure and keep it at safe levels in patients afflicted with hypertension.
The harmful effects of LDL, also known as "bad" cholesterol can be effectively combated by eating supplements and foods made from soy. Cholesterol molecules are disintegrated by this protein which attacks their plasma. Good cholesterol, or HDL is not affected. Men have been shown to respond particularly well in this sense, and by including four servings of soy per day, they can reduce their LDL by up to 10 percent, further research is aimed at determining if this is also true with female subjects.
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.
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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