Originally grown and used as a staple food in Asia, soy protein consumption has spread to other regions. This makes it one of the most consumed proteins today.
The increased demand is due to the production levels, multiple benefits, and support from groups such as the United Nations. One of the crucial benefits is the nutritional benefits and impact on a healthy body.
As part of a global proposal to eradicate hunger, soy nutrition is needed for a balanced diet. It is not an ordinary food but one of the most nutritious and beneficial plant proteins. Here are some nutritional benefits you ought to know.
Nutritional composition of soy
Soy protein is one of the richest plant proteins due to its nutritional composition making it suitable for various conditions. The nutritional composition shows that it is one of the products with a higher protein concentration than all plant proteins. And the protein levels are almost at the same levels as animal proteins.
The only difference with animal proteins is that it contains low cholesterol. It is also rich in minerals such as potassium, magnesium, calcium, zinc, iron, etc. Other nutritional benefits are due to other nutritional products such as fiber.
Soy is rich in omega-3 and antioxidants that can prevent cell damage. It’s also low in saturated fats, making it good for the body. It is also rich in other macronutrients, such as inflavones, that significantly and directly impact the body.
The impact of soy on weight reduction and obesity
Various studies have confirmed that soy protein could be one of the proteins ideal for weight and obesity management. The effects on weight and obesity make it suitable for those with diabetes, heart-related diseases, and high blood pressure. It can contribute to weight loss and obesity management in various ways.
Low cholesterol levels
The proteins found in soy have low cholesterol levels. This reduces the amount of saturated and unsaturated fats and lipids stored in the body.
Compared to animal proteins, it has lower cholesterol levels. Hence, it is ideal if you want to lose weight by reducing protein consumption, but still need proteins for its nutritional benefits.
This makes soy a perfect replacement for animal protein which mainly has high cholesterol levels and may harm the body. A review of various studies indicates that soy lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) levels while increasing the HSL levels in the body. Therefore, it directly reduces the risk factors for illnesses. This includes heart diseases, sometimes caused by high LDL concentrations in the body.
The cholesterol levels make it an ideal food for vegans. Vegans who do not need animal proteins due to sustainability and weight concerns.
Hence, if you’re on a vegan diet, it can provide you with the desired proteins. And this while helping you retain the nutritional balance diets and directly gain the benefits of proteins to the body.
Anti-cancer effects
Based on randomized studies, soy protein could be one of the nutrients to protect one from the effects of cancer. This is especially true for breast cancer in women or prostate cancer in men. Soy contains inflavones, one of the nutritional elements with anti-cancer effects.
Eating a moderate amount of soy will lower the risk of cancer. This is by reducing the estrogen concentration in the body, which is likely to cause breast cancer. This explains why in Asian regions where soy is a staple food, women have lower breast cancer risks.
The plant estrogen obtained from consuming soy is usually lower in concentration. This can sometimes balance the estrogen concentration in the body to maintain normal levels, hence preventing cancer indirectly.
Effects on men and women
The phytoestrogen effects act differently on different people. For instance, women still in their fertility period have a lot of estrogens. Hence, the need for nutrition to reduce the concertation to prevent breast cancer. Women in menopause or past menopause have lower estrogen levels hence the need for a diet to boost the levels.
The effects on men are due to its effects on testosterone levels, which may affect prostate cancer. Inflavones contained in soy can also significantly reduce tumor growth, especially in men, preventing prostate cancers.
Impact of soy on blood pressure and heart health
Daily soy consumption will lower systolic blood pressure, reducing the chances of suffering from conditions such as stroke and hypertension. Consuming soy has significant and long-term impacts on the insulin hormone. It improves insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to absorb more sugar and glucose. This boosts blood sugar levels, making it ideal for type 2 diabetes patients.
Stronger bones for women and children
Women in their menopause stages are likely to suffer from osteoporosis. This may arise due to weak bones and lower estrogen levels. Making soy a part of the daily diet boosts the estrogen levels in the body. This prevents weaker bones and vulnerability to fractures.
Inflavones concentration also directly boosts estrogen levels, preventing bone weakness. From the results and studies, doctors may recommend it as one of the products for hormone replacement therapy.
Benefits from mineral concentrations
The other benefits are mineral concentrations such as potassium, iron, and calcium, which significantly and directly impact bones. These minerals strengthen bone by increasing bone density and preventing fractures due to falls or the impact of body weight. This makes soy products such as soy milk an ideal diet for babies and women in their menopause stages.
Impact on skin health
Soy can be one of the ideal ingredients for various skincare products, including lotions. This is due to its effects on skin health. It includes antiaging effects, slowing the wrinkling process, boosting body hydration, moisturizing, and eliminating antioxidants.
Soy contains linoleic acid in lower concentrations, which has high antioxidant effects, preventing. Due to the low cholesterol levels, it is likely to prevent conditions such as oily skin. This is normally caused by excess oil and fat in the body. It also contains various minerals, such as zinc and iron, which may also contribute to skin beauty and smoothness.
Make it a habit to consume a glass of soy milk daily. This increases its nutritional and antioxidant effects on the body. This will help you enjoy the impacts of soy on the skin.
Start including soy in your diet.
Soy has different health benefits for the body; some are indirect, while others are direct. The impacts will depend on how much soy you consume and which products you use.
Regardless of the method of consumption, soy helps in obesity management. This then prevents other conditions such as diabetes, heart-related illnesses, and hypertension. It also significantly impacts skin health, reducing cancer risks and boosting stronger bones.
Need more health-related tips? Check these out!
- Simple Tips for Long-Term Weight Management
- Healthy Eating Habits to Boost Your Energy
- What’s the Best Home Water Filter for 2023?
Has this post helped you? Take a second to PIN it!
