Benefits of Soy Protein

When it comes to Protein,
is Soy Whey's little sister?

The answer is no.

The benefits of soy protein are very similar to whey protein.

In fact, there may be a couple extra benefits, but also some reasons people may want to stick with whey protein.

Now, in the past soy has been perceived as being inferior to whey, but it's just not true.

In the bodybuilding community it was seen as a less powerful supplement, but studies have clearly demonstrated that the benefits of soy protein are similar to whey protein.

Let's quickly review what it is, and where it comes from

Soy protein comes from soy beans. It's a friendly choice for people who are lactose intolerant, and anyone that has a hard time digesting food.

It is also a complete protein. Proteins are the building blocks of your body, and amino acids are the building blocks of protein.

Complete protein is made up of essential and non essential amino acids. Essential amino acids are not produced by your body. You need to consume them in order to get them. Soy provides high quality essential amino acids.

Who benefits from this particular supplement?

In general, soy is great for athletes who need more protein than the average person, vegetarians and vegans who don't eat meat or dairy products, people on low carb diets, and people who are lactose intolerant.

If we look at all the benefits of soy powder, the main one has to do with what it doesn't have.

Soy protein powder contains a great source of protein, but its special weapon is its extremely low levels of fat and cholesterol.

Because of this, it helps reduce the risk of heart disease. America's number one killer is heart disease, and substituting soy for other protein is a great way to reduce the risk.

It also has specific benefits for women. This might have added some sparks to the thought that it is a weak, or elegant supplement.

In women, soy helps with menopause and osteoporosis.

Benefits of soy protein and menopause

I won't explain what menopause is, because if you're a woman you probably already know, and if you're a man.... Well you probably don't care :)

But, I could be wrong.... You might want to learn about the benefits so the whole process is a lot easier for your wife, and in turn, yourself :)

So how does it help with menopause.... Hot flashes.

Hot flashes are a popular symptom for North American women going through menopause. I remember my mother complained of them quite a few times.

The benefits of soy protein powder and hot flashes have to do with numerous health studies.

These studies found that Asian women reported a significantly lower amount of hot flashes than North American and European women. Enough to conclude a possible relation between Asian diets and lower hot flash symptoms during menopause.

And trust me, the Asian diet is full with soy beans. I spent some time in South Korea, and we ate soy bean soup till the cows came home!

Koreans eat rice and soup for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their diet is very healthy and full of soy. They love the stuff, and as a result have benefited through menopause.

Soy and osteoporosis

This also relates to health studies. Almost half of women over 50 will experience some sort of bone fracture due to osteoporosis.

My mother slipped on the ice while walking the dog and broke her arm. It was on her 54th birthday. I was with her and we didn't even think she was seriously hurt. It was a minor fall but unfortunately that's all it took.

The fractures have to do with low levels of calcium. Higher amounts of protein intake help maintain good levels of calcium, and plant protein is believed to be better than animal protein for this.

This is why supplementing with soy protein can help keep those bones strong.

All in all, the benefits of soy protein are high quality protein, and very low levels of fat and cholesterol. Plus, if you're lactose intolerant this is a great protein source for you.

If you're looking for a high protein, low carb diet, then soy is a great substitute for your protein.

Soy protein contains cholesterol reducing benefits and antioxidant benefits. It's much more then just a basic source of protein.

Bob's Red Mill Isolated Soy Protein Powder is a best selling soy protein.