Soy+Foods+and+Health

For this Chapter 7 discussion area, you are to research the reported benefits of soyfood consumption. Why is soy healthy? What are the benefits? What are good sources of soy? What types of soyfoods have you tried, and do you like them? Remember to cite your sources!


 * Soy is healthy because of the following benefits it provides:**

1. Weight Loss - Soy protein gives a sense of fullness to reduce hunger cravings. Soy is low-carb, and actually has more protein than carbs in it. Soy is the only plant that is a complete protein, providing the 9 essential amino acids. Soy also causes less fluctuation in blood sugar and insulin because of its low glycemic index.

2. Menopause - Soy consumption by women when they reach menopause could prove to relieve some of the discomforts of menopause. According to the site, a much smaller percent of women in menopause experience the discomfort of hot flashes in Asia versus Western women because there is a higher consumption of soy in Asia versus the West.

3. Energy and Workouts - For this I felt it would be easiest to directly quote the site, so here is the information:

Soy protein has key nutritional qualities that support energy levels, stamina, and sports performance (better lean muscle mass, endurance and recovery time).
 * 1) Soy protein is rich in "branched-chain amino acids" which the body can burn as "fuel" to produce energy.
 * 2) As a complete protein, soy helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass.
 * 3) Soy may help support a hormonal profile that promotes muscle formation.
 * 4) Soy may help sustain endurance levels during exercise.
 * 5) Soy may help improve recovery time.
 * 6) Soy helps support a healthy cardiovascular system (critical for exercising or an active lifestyle).
 * 7) Soy may support better antioxidant health for exercise than common whey protein.

4. Cholesterol - Soy protein has actually been approved by the FDA for its cholesterol benefits. It allows for normal total cholesterol levels and can help reduce LDL cholesterol levels.

Soy milk, soy protein concentrated powders for protein shakes, tofu, soybean oil, soy flour, soy sauce, or the soy bean itself.
 * Sources of Soy:**

I have tried soy oil in some cooking oils used before, and I couldn't really tell anything from that. I have had soy sauce on some Chinese food, and Chinese food is always delicious. I have had some small tofu cubes in some Thai food before, which was pretty good as well.
 * What have I tried?**

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 * Site used for the above information:**