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The Joy of Soy:
Health Benefits
By: Ruth Bird
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.
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