Benefits of Soy Protein

March 22, 2013

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We all know it is very important to eat healthy meals everyday and that it must covers all nutrients needed according to the food pyramid. But well, very often we slip. Either we skip any of the nutrient source entirely, or we consume but from the unhealthy source -____-" For example, yes we eat fat, but bad fats. Or yes, we eat protein but it combos together with high fat content. Defeat the purpose of eating healthily, aiyahhh.

I've explained before on how we need to focus on eating good fats kan, so today I'm going to explain further on consuming good protein, plant protein specifically. Eyh hello, not that I said "please avoid animal protein terus ok?". Sure it's ok to consume foods with animal protein but don't out do that, because high intake of animal protein can cause various disease including high blood pressure, cholesterol, obesity and obviously coronary heart disease.

Worry not because we still have plenty plant protein sources. Vegetable protein sources are also good sources of dietary fibre and are generally low in fat content, particularly saturated fats. Much better kan?

As I mentioned previously, like it or not, we need to consume adequate amount of protein but of course, without the extra fats and cholesterol. There are several sources to consider when searching for high-quality food that comes ‘high in protein’, but low in ‘fat and cholesterol’. For example, poultry and fish have lower fat and cholesterol as compared to red meat like beef and mutton. Skimmed or low-fat dairy products have lower fat and cholesterol than regular dairy products. Therefore, combining protein sources such as lean meat and poultry with vegetable-based proteins like beans, rice or cereals will enable you to get a better mix of protein. :) So don't just rely on your ayam protein ok? I know ayam taste the best. Or red meat, like your well done steak hehe.

Now, let's zoom a bit more to SOY PROTEIN. Ahh, the so very famous protein source. So as we know, soy has been a staple in Asian countries for many years; soy bean milk & tau fu fah!! You don't know you don't duduk Malaysia lahhhh. This high-quality protein comes in three major forms – soy flours, soy protein concentrates, and soy protein isolates – which gives it greater flexibility when it comes to food applications.

What are the benefits of soy protein?

Complete vegetarian protein containing all the essential amino acids for adults and children.
Soybean oil is largely unsaturated and is high in essential fatty acids.
An excellent alternative for those who are allergic to milk and milk-based products.
Ideal for those who are looking for healthier choices that can help cut down fat and cholesterol.
It is very nutritious and rich in not just protein, but also B vitamins and isoflavones.
Soy protein is the only plant-based protein with a protein quality equal to that of meat, milk, and egg.

SOY ISOFLAVONES, as mentioned above. I bet many of us have not heard of this before. I pun sama hehehe.

Isoflavones are a class of phytoestrogens - plant-derived compounds with estrogenic activity (plant substances similar to the female hormone, estrogen). Soybeans and soy products are the richest sources of isoflavones in the human diet.

Finally, what so 'cool' about consuming soy isoflavones? Basically the benefits of soy primarily come from its isoflavone content.

Soy helps reduce the risk of heart disease.
Soy helps to reduce cholesterol levels in the blood.
Soy isoflavones can help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, and also increase bone density in women. It may help offset the drop in estrogen and regulate its fluctuations that occur during menopause.
Soy isoflavones help in maintaining strong and healthy bones by increasing bone mineral content and bone density, which can help reduce the possibility of osteoporosis.

Source:

• Stein, Karen. “FDA Approves Health Claim Labeling for Foods Containing Soy Protein.” Journal of the American Dietetic Association (March 2000): 292.

• Zreik, Marwan. “The Great Soy Protein Awakening.” Total Health (January/February 2000): 52-4.

• “Say Soy Long to High Cholesterol.” MotherNature.com Health Journal Newsletter. (October 27, 1999).

• Potter SM, Baum HA, Teng H, Stillman RJ, Shay NF, Erdman JW. “Soy protein and isoflavones; their effects on blood lipids and bone density in postmenopausal

women.” Am J Clin Nutr. 1998;68 (6 Suppl):1375S-1379S.

• Albertazzi P. Pansini F, Bonaccorsi G, Zanotti L, Forini E, De Aloyiso D. “The Effect of Dietary Soy Supplementation on Hot Flushes.” Obstet Gynocol.

1998;91(1):6-11.

• “The Healing Powers of Soy Isoflavones”, Feminist Women’s Health Centre, Washington State, www.fwhc.org/health/soy.htm

Aihh, looks like it impacts us women kan? So lepas ni kena make sure consume enough protein and that must consist plant protein, soy based particularly. One thing for sure our body cannot make essential amino acids and it must be consumed every day in sufficient quantities to replace daily loss. Tapi BUKAN fried chicken protein haaaa. :P

Ataupun, kalau memang susah nak fikir apakah cara mudah nak dapat best combination of daily protein intake, why don’t you try Amway Nutrilite All Plant Protein Powder? Because it has a unique tri-blend of soy, wheat and pea protein that gives you the ideal combination of amino acids to keep feeling healthy and energetic. Between, it’s a low fat, low cholesterol and lactose free product, so baguslah kan? J

Most importantly, Nutrilite All Plant Protein Powder contains the highest quality protein and the nine amino acids to help maintain muscle mass, prevent muscle weakness and fatigue. Not only that, it provides a natural and easily digestible protein too.

Info: Daily amounts of soy and isoflavones studied or being studied to prevent a range of diseases.

Lowering cholesterol (daily dose: 25-50 g of soy protein)
Cancer (breast, prostate, colon) prevention (daily dose: 20-40 g of soy protein)
Hot flush reduction (daily dose: 45 g of soy flour/day, 80-160 mg of isoflavones)
Osteoporosis, post-menopausal women (daily dose: 40 g of soy protein per day containing 90 mg total isoflavones per day for six months had a positive effect on bone density)