Introduction to Health Facts about Soy
Soy is a favorite legume that originates from Asia. It is also a popular food for vegetarians and mainly works as a meat substitute because.
Most people choose it because it is rich in proteins, fiber, antioxidants, and omega-3 fatty acids. Users consume soy in three main ways:
- Drinking it in milk
- Taking them in supplement form (50 milligrams daily)
- Eating them in food either as seeds or meat substitute chunks
Besides that, soy is great for other products, including soy oil extract, an environmentally friendly fuel. The residue from soy also makes candles, engine lubricants, and crayons.
Below are some of the most interesting health facts that you must know about soy with many uses to its name.
1. Healthy Heart and Soy
Consuming a rich diet in soy foods is associated with reduced cardiovascular conditions such as coronary heart diseases and stroke.
This explains why players such as the U.S. Soybean Export Council will keep working to ensure there is enough supply for users.
While Oestrogen is known to shield women from heart diseases in their reproductive years, their heart disease rate may occur after menopause.
In this case, both men and women should consume Soybeans. They have lower Low-density Lipoprotein (LDL) Cholesterol and total cholesterol, common heart disease causes.
According to some clinical trial analysis, an intake of 15g- 60g of soy protein can remarkably lower total blood cholesterol levels, triglycerides, and harmful cholesterol levels and boost High-density Lipoprotein.
Another study conducted by the United States Food and Drugs Administration indicates that adults who consume at least 26g of soy protein daily in meals with less cholesterol and saturated fats can lower LDL by 5%-7%.
However, it is essential to note that whole soy products such as nuts, beans, soy yogurt, and soy milk substantially boost cholesterol levels compared to processed soy products.
But how does soy manage to better cholesterol levels? Soy contains phytoestrogens, also known as soy proteins that work solo or together. It also boasts of low saturated fat content and soft fiber that help improve cholesterol levels.
2. Menopause and Soy
Soy products are rich in isoflavones phytoestrogen content—this helps minimize menopause symptoms like hot flushes and night sweats.
The study conducted on Asian women who consume soy as part of their meal showed fewer hot flashes symptoms compared to women who eat meat diets.
How does Isoflavones work in soy? The two primary isoflavones in soy are daidzein and genistein, broken down by bacteria present in the intestines into more vigorous forms.
Once soy is absorbed in a human body, its isoflavones bind to similar estrogen receptors, mimicking the estrogen effects.
After binding to other receptors, Isoflavones block the effects of estrogen and minimizes hot flashes and other menopause symptoms such as
- Insomnia
- Vaginal dryness
- Lack of focus
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
3. Soy and Osteoporosis in Women
Weight gain, minimal physical activities, and osteoporosis are significant threats for women in their postmenopausal stage.
According to the Missouri studies university, soy protein available in food has the power to fight the adverse effects of menopause on metabolic and bone health.
Even better, research shows that soy protein has a beneficial impact on young women’s bone strength who are yet to hit their menopause stage.
It has also been shown that many women recover easily from bone-related complications when they take soy products.
4. Soy and Kidneys
soy and kidneys How about including soy meals in your diet for the sake of your kidneys? Soy foods are good for people suffering from chronic kidney diseases (CKD); patients undergoing dialysis and kidney transplant should include them in their diet since they have low-fat saturation, are cholesterol-free, and are rich in potassium and phosphorus, all of which are good for the kidneys. Some of the Soyfoods recommended for kidney patients include:
- Edamame: The large beans get harvested when they are still green. They are typically eaten as appetizers and are rich in potassium, which is healthy for kidneys.
- Texturized Soy Protein-Also referred to as soy meat or Texturized Vegetable Protein (TVP). It is used as a meat substitute by most vegetarians and mostly incorporated in veggie burgers and tofu dogs. TSP is good for kidney patients looking to boost their potassium level as it is high in it.
- Soy Protein Isolate: This is the residue left after soy oil gets extracted from the soybean. The soy protein isolates work well in shakes, cereals, and energy bars. It is rich in potassium and a good feed for kidney patients who need to boost their potassium levels.
- Tempeh- A nutty-flavored cake made from a fermented mixture of whole soybeans, millet, and rice. You can have the cake either fried, grilled or in a casserole dish.
5. Soy and Brain Function
Soy foods are nutritious and are associated with the improvement of memory and cognitive functions.
Soy contains dipeptides that help minimize memory degradation, which lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s.
It is advisable to eat soy food a few times a week to improve your memory if you have memory loss issues.
to know more about soy check it out, https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320472
Bottom Line
Today, soy foods are available in almost all food stores at affordable prices and have become a favorite due to their underlying health benefits.
It can be prepared as a whole meal, taken as supplements, or in milk form. The choice lies in the consumer.
