The Joy of Soy: Health Benefits
My husband has MS, and I have Diabetes. Researching health
issues has become a "hobby" of mine. I am always interested in
health issues. I am especially interested in soy because I am
constantly looking for protein to balance my diabetic meals. I
am not a meat eater, although I am not a vegetarian either. I
believe that knowledge is my best defense.
Soy milk (also called soymilk, soya milk, soybean milk, soy bean
milk, or soy drink) is a beverage produced from soybeans.
Soy milk originated in East Asia, a region where soybean
consumption in food and beverages is common. Although its
English name uses the word "milk", due to its common use as a
milk substitute in Western societies, it is actually a juice
extracted from soybeans after soaking, grinding, cooking and
straining. It is generally opaque, white or off-white in color,
and approximately the same consistency as cow's milk.
Soy Low in fat, rich in protein, soy has become a staple in
vegetarian diets. Soy contains essential fatty acids,
phytoestrogens, vitamin E and natural anti-inflammatory agents.
Eating enough soy protein and soy isoflavones is essential to
obtain soy's full benefits. An international panel of leading
soy researchers determined that 100 to 160 milligrams of soy
isoflavones per day are likely needed to achieve all of the
potential benefits of soy isoflavones. The FDA states that 25
grams of soy protein per day, with a diet low in saturated fat
and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.
Studies show soy isoflavones, the active components of soybean,
help increases bone density, thus maintain bone health. Soy
isoflavones act as mild estrogens that provide support through
menopause. In addition, soy isoflavones promote healthy
cholesterol levels without lowering levels of beneficial HDL
cholesterol.
Another study shows that soy consumption supports healthier
metabolism of dihydrotestosterone and testosterone in younger
men. This is critical for support of healthier prostate tissues
and prostate function. I hope you have a good weekend.
RESEARCH UPDATE: Soy Protein Exerts Minor Effects on Serum
Reproductive Hormones in Healthy Young Men OBJECTIVE. The
objective of this study was to examine the effect of dietary soy
with different isoflavone concentrations on serum hormones in
healthy young men.
STUDY DESIGN. This study was conducted as a randomized,
crossover trial with three groups. Young adult men 20 - 40 years
of age were randomly assigned to consume either (1) a milk
protein isolate (MPI) (0 mg isoflavones/day), (2) a
low-isoflavone soy protein isolate (SPI) (~2 mg
isoflavones/day), or (3) a high-isoflavone SPI (~62 mg
isoflavones/day) for 57 days. Blood samples were collected on
days 1, 29, and 57 of the study and serum reproductive hormones
were quantified.
RESULTS. Both the low- and high-isoflavone soy groups had lower
levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and lower ratios of
DHT/testosterone compared to the group receiving the milk
protein isolate.
CONCLUSION. The results of this clinical trial indicate that soy
with low or high isoflavone content can lower serum
concentrations of DHT and reduce the DHT/testosterone ratio. The
authors suggest that these changes may have beneficial effects
on prostate health support, but that this requires further
investigation. MEDICAL REFERENCE: Dillingham BL, McVeigh BL,
Lampe JW, Duncan AM. Soy protein isolates of varying isoflavone
content exert minor effects on serum reproductive hormones in
healthy young men. Journal of Nutrition 2005; 135:584-591.
Soy milk is found in many vegan and vegetarian food products and
be used as a replacement for cow's milk in most recipes. Such
substitution has a low impact on foods like pancakes, but there
is a noticeable difference when making foods such as macaroni
and cheese or quiche.
"Sweet" and "salty" soy milk are both traditional Chinese
breakfast foods, usually accompanied by breads like mantou
(steamed rolls), youtiao (fried crullers), and shaobing (sesame
flatbread). The soy milk is typically sweetened by adding cane
sugar or, sometimes, simple syrup. Tofu is produced from soy
milk by further steps of curdling and then draining.
Health benefits aside, I love Soy and it's various products.
Especially the soy drinks. I find they work perfect into my
personal diet. They're also low in calories and carbs. They have
become my personal favorite protein.
Medical Disclaimer: This site is designed for educational
purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This
information is not intended to substitute for informed medical
advice.