Besides being packed with fiber and antioxidants, soybeans are also a rich source of protein, according to the World's Healthiest Foods website. Soy protein powder provides a wealth of health benefits, from reducing the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, to preventing colon cancer. However, controversy has also surrounded the use of soy, since it's also been associated with autoimmune thyroid disease and lower sperm concentration.
COPD
In a 2009 study conducted by the Curtin University of Technology and published in the journal of "Respiratory Research," researchers investigated the relationship between soy consumption and COPD risk. All participants completed a questionnaire pertaining to food consumption and underwent measurements of respiratory function. Scientists discovered that increasing soy consumption decreased the risk for COPD.
Colon Cancer
Soy might have beneficial effects on preventing and treating colon cancer, according to the Science Daily website. Researchers found that soy contains sphingadienes, which are lipid molecules that destroy cancer cells. Scientists suggest that sphingadienes can be used to develop new drugs that are effective against colon cancer.
Semen Quality
Researchers examined the impact of soy consumption and semen quality in overweight and obese subjects, according to research reported in the April 2008 issue of "Human Reproduction." Scientists observed that soy consumption was correlated with lower sperm concentration in participants after adjusting for characteristics, such as age and body mass index.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
According to research published in the April 1990 issue of the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition," researchers reviewed the feeding practices of children with autoimmune thyroid disease, their healthy siblings and nonrelated children. They found that children with autoimmune thyroid disease were fed a higher frequency of soy based formula in earlier life compared to the other children.
References
- "Respiratory Research"; Soy Consumption and Risk of COPD and Respiratory Symptoms
- Science Daily: Soy Component May Be Key to Fighting Colon Cancer
- "Human Reproduction"; Soy Food and Isoflavone Intake in Relation to Semen Quality Parameters among Men from an Infertility Clinic
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Breast and Soy-Formula Feedings in Early Infancy and the Prevalence of Autoimmune Thyroid Disease in Children
- World's Healthiest Foods: Soybeans
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