Soy Protein: Pros and Cons

In the recent past the soy protein is getting more popular because of its health benefits. It is well established that soy protein could alleviate heart diseases. The health campaigners in many countries claim that the soy protein is the best. The vegetarians believe that soy protein is the good alternative to meat, poultry, and egg. Soy protein is the derivative of soy beans. The consumption of non-animal protein i.e. soy foods has risen steadily. Why so much attraction and support over soy protein? Any guess! The answer is soy protein is the total healthy diet with almost all essential amino acids. If you want complete protein, prefer soy protein.

Best Plant Protein

You know well that animal protein is the complete protein since it comprises most of the essential amino acids. Plant proteins are rated as incomplete protein since it does not include all essential amino acids. However there is one food substance that could be rated closest to animal protein i.e. soy protein that includes most of the amino acids found in meat.

Soy Protein Products

You can get variety of soy protein i.e. meat imitations, salad dressings, soups, soy cheese, soy milk, powdered supplements and tofu. The best reasons for preferring soy food could be its very low fat content and the absence of cholesterol and lactose. You preference will be justified by its high protein and low carbohydrate content.

Active Ingredients

The active ingredients of soy food are saponins, phytosterols, and isoflavones. These three active ingredients are responsible for providing protective immune system and for low cholesterol absorption and optimum cholesterol level maintenance. The isoflavene comprise effective antioxidants which reduces the chances of cell damage due to the presence of free radical. There is absolute protection from cancer and osteoporosis. It also comprises phytic acid, a substance useful for absorption of minerals.

Research Findings

An important claim made by health campaigners is that soy food will help you to lower your LDL (bad) cholesterol. The claim is that if you consume a daily diet comprising 25 grams of soy protein and lower quantities of saturated fat and cholesterol, your LDL cholesterol level gets lowered. Simultaneously you may able to reduce the risk of heart diseases. Yet another health claim demand that your food must include at least 6.25 grams of soy protein per serving and it must be low in fat, cholesterol, and sodium. (Kristen S. Montgomery)

Conclusion

The wonderful soy protein offer immense benefits to one and all. Let me list out some benefits: High protein improved vegetarian diet with less or nil fat; Low cholesterol absorption and lowering of LDL cholesterol level; improved heart conditions i.e. free from heart diseases; influence of anti-oxidants in reducing cancer risks; improved health conditions. There are enormous research activities on soy protein in the recent years. As a result we are getting more and more improved food products to meet the needs of nutrition conscious community.

Sources:

1) Soy Protein.by Kristen S. Montgomery. J Perinat Educ. 2003 Summer; 12(3): 42-45
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1595159

2) Protein: An Important Macro-nutrient by Muthusamy R
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1069233/protein_an_important_macronutrient_.html?cat=5

3) Soya - Information about Soy and Soya Products
http://www.soya.be/soy-protein.php

4) Wikipedia - Soy Protein
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soy_protein