Weight Loss Nutrition and Soy Foods

Are soy foods better for weight loss nutrition? Weight loss and soybeans are at the center of numerous clinical trials. For some time, medical researchers have been evaluating the effects of soy food consumption and weight loss. Along the way, a plethora of nutritional benefits were unveiled about the influence of eating soy food on a regular basis.

Foods, made of soy (soy milk, soy burgers, edamame), are abundant in protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, selenium, phosphorus and copper. The most popular derivative of the soybean is tofu. Dubbed as "the cheese of Asia," the blandish off-white spongy looking brick, named "tofu" by the Japanese, resembles a block of cheese. The origination of tofu is traceable to China, more than 2000 years ago, when it was originally referred to as "doufu."

Over the years, researchers noticed an unforeseen relationship between soybean foods and LDL (bad cholesterol). Findings showed that when soy protein is eaten daily, it has the capacity to reduce LDLs up to 40 percent. An accumulation of high LDL cholesterol levels sets off a chain reaction. Primarily, it leads to a narrowing of the arteries (atherosclerosis); thus, triggering a heart attack, blood clots and/or a host of other serious medical conditions.

A controversial study, conducted at Massachusetts General Hospital Fertility Center, collected sperm specimens from almost 100 men. Researchers asked the participants about their soy consumption habits. The conclusion of the sperm concentration analysis revealed that men who regularly consumed soy had lower, but normal levels of semen. [Source: http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/news/20080723/soy-foods-sperm-concentration-link]

Another study, published by the National Institute of Health, indicates that soy foods are menopause compatible. In other words, the phytoestrogen compounds contained in soy foods: isoflavones, diadzein and genistein, -- have been found to ease menopausal events (hot flashes, estrogen fluctuations, dry skin, etc.) Medical scientists believe that the phytoestrogens contained in soybean foods are copycats, so to speak. They mimic an extraordinarily feeble rendition of estrogen; thus, stabilizing the hormonal highs and lows of menopause. [Source: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/soy/D399_Herbs.pdf]

As for soy foods being the panacea for weight loss, the findings are murky. Although, tofu and other soy foods contain significantly less fat and calories than meat, most studies suggest that soy-based foods are as effective for weight loss as skim milk. Meanwhile, although foods containing soy may not be beneficial for male virility, but act as a natural supplement for Lipitor(r) or hormone replacement therapy (HRT), the verdict on weight loss nutrition and soy foods remains in question.

For a low-fat recipe, consider this high protein veggie recipe: Tofu Chili Recipe.