A soy shake is a drink that has been derived from the soybean plant, a species of legume that is valued for its rich protein content. The protein in a soy shake is highly concentrated, which removes most of the surrounding fat, carbohydrates and other nutrients, so it is just one important part of a balanced diet. However, a soy shake can provide most of your daily protein.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 total amino acids that your body needs. Half of them cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained exclusively from the diet. These are known as essential amino acids. Missing even one can cause the degradation of proteins in the body. The soybean is the only plant-based source that contains all of the essential amino acids.
Function
According to the Mayo Clinic, 10 to 35 percent of your total calories should come from proteins. Based on a 2,000-calorie diet, this is about 50 to 175 g a day. Only bodybuilders and athletes should eat toward the high end. However, proteins are critical for everybody. They are needed for many of the body's functions, including the transportation of oxygen through the blood, the proper functionality of the immune system, the contraction of muscles and the facilitation of chemical reactions.
Considerations
The soybean, in its natural state, is 38 percent protein; the amino acid profile is also the same in quality as protein found in meat, milk and eggs. When it's isolated, the soy shake can contain as much as 90 percent protein. However, because much of the fiber, zinc and other nutrients are removed, they will have to come from other sources. It's a good idea to include plenty of plant-based foods in your diet to make up for these lost nutrients.
Purpose
A soy shake is a good alternative for people who are lactose intolerant, and therefore may have trouble drinking the whey or casein from milk, or vegetarians, who choose not to eat the rich protein content of animal-based products. Soy protein works best when it is used by bodybuilders. However, protein is also known to be a filling nutrient -- a 2006 study published in the journal "Cell Metabolism" found that protein activates a hormone that staves off hunger -- so it can be eaten for the purpose of a diet.
Meals
Soy shakes can be consumed during any meal of the day, but there are three times when the protein is most advantageous: a breakfast that immediately follows an overnight fast; before bed to let protein digest during the night; and before or after workouts to repair old muscle tissue and build new muscle tissue. Because the shake is distilled down to its protein essence, it can taste rather bland. That is why it's a good idea to add fruit and other possible flavors for taste.
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