Soy Protein and Weight Loss
Facts about Soy Protein
Health and Weight Loss Benefits of Soy
Protein
The health benefits of soy protein are widespread. Incorporation of soy
protein into the diet has been shown to be beneficial in the prevention
and treatment of heart disease, bone disease (osteoporosis), kidney disease
and possibly even several types of cancer. Research seems to indicate
that soy protein may aid in the prevention of breast cancer.
- Soy contains more protein than milk
without the saturated fat or cholesterol. Soya beans are the only beans
to be considered a complete protein because they contain all eight essential
amino acids.
- Due to it's high fiber content, the
addition of soy foods into a daily diet benefits any weight loss program.
- Soy protein contains high levels of
a substance called Tyrosine, which helps to maintain our alertness and
mental energy without the need for excess calories. This may be beneficial
for weight control.
- Soy is a low-glycemic index food which
helps regulate blood-sugar and insulin fluctuations. This helps you
to feel more satisfied and less hungry until your next meal, which is
beneficial for weight management and control.
- In Japan, where soy consumption is high,
women have minimal menopause problems and only about 16% of Western
rates of breast cancer.
- Clinical studies show significant reduction
in pre- and post-menopausal breast cancers in women eating high amounts
of soy.
- As little as 25mg of soy protein a day
may decrease levels of LDL cholesterol and Triglycerides.
- Soya reduces "hot flushes"
and incidence of osteoporosis. In one study, the addition of 45g of
soya flour reduced the number of hot flushes by 40%.
- Certain studies into animal obesity
seem to indicate that soy may stimulate the metabolism, which may assist
weight loss.
- According to soy researchers at Iowa
State University, "Isoflavone-rich soy may attenuate the increase
in fat deposition and prevent loss in lean tissue during menopause."
Thus soy may assist weight management and control during menopause.
Guide
to Menopause, Weight & Diet
Best Diet Foods For Menopause
Foods to Restrict During
Menopause
Best Vitamins For Menopausal
Women
Best Minerals For Menopausal
Women
Soy Protein - Unanswered Questions
These include:
- What daily dosage of soy is needed to
obtain these health and/or weight loss benefits?
- Which iso-flavones in soy (e.g. genistein
and daidzein) are most valuable for health/ weight loss?
- Is there a dangerous daily dosage of
soy?
- Is soy protein best for health and/or
weight loss when consumed in food rich in soy rather than supplements
like shakes?
- Is genetically modified soy protein
as healthy or beneficial for weight loss as unmodified soy?
- Is commercially processed soy protein
as healthy or as beneficial for weight loss as "first generation"
soyfoods such as roasted soynuts, soy flour, soy milk, tofu, etc.?
Soy Shakes and Supplements
Clinical trials involving soy protein are continuing. But until these
tests on soya provide more answers to these questions, it is best to consult
your doctor before taking soy supplements or shakes for specific health
or weight loss benefits.
A Note about Healthy Weight Control
Fad diets, unbalanced diets, diet pills, diet supplements, weight loss
surgery and other short term weight loss methods are not recommended for
permanent weight control. The best way to lose excess fat and maintain
a healthy weight in the long term is to follow a balanced calorie-controlled
diet (that improves your eating habits) and take regular aerobic exercise.
An excellent option is Anne Collins
Weight Loss Program
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