Soy has become a heavily marketed food, with its health benefits widely cited. Soy protein contains naturally occurring substances called isoflavones that are similar to estrogen, the female hormone. Not all soy protein provides the same amount of protein. The scientific jury says that soy protein does not appear to be effective for treating health problems.
Soy Protein Isolate
In general ,plant foods are not considered high-quality or complete proteins, meaning they don't contain all the essential amino acids that your body needs to function. The soybean is the one exception. Soybeans are a complete source of protein for adults, but they do not meet the essential protein requirements for infants or children. Not all soy protein products provide the same amount of protein. Any product that lists "soy protein isolate" or "isolated soy protein" as an ingredient will have the highest amount of protein. Soy sausage patties, soybean burgers are examples of foods that contain soy protein isolate. Tofu contains the least amount of protein. If you add rice to a tofu meal, you will get a good amount of complete protein. Read the Nutrition Facts on the food's packaging to determine the percentage of soy protein in that food.
Heart Health
Soy protein isolate has some potential to protect your heart. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, in partnership with the National Institute of Health, reviewed and analyzed more than 100 clinical research studies using soy products to evaluate any heart health benefits. Overall, the scientific results have shown that a daily intake of soy protein may slightly reduce blood cholesterol levels. There is not enough clinical research evidence to determine any other heart health benefits as of 2011.
Menopausal Health
The soy isoflavones in soy protein isolate may possible reduce menopausal symptoms. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reviewed and analyzed more than 21 clinical research studies using soy products to see if soy reduced hot flashes and night sweats in women. Overall, the results showed that a soy protein can reduce hot flashes -- but the type of soy and the amount of soy have not been determined. There is not enough clinical research evidence to determine any other menopausal health benefits as of 2011. There is, however, ongoing concern that the natural estrogen-like substances in soy may cause tumors to grow back in breast, ovarian and uterine cancer survivors. If you are a woman with a family history of breast cancer or any other cancer, consult with your doctor before using soy products.
Bone Health
Soy products do not appear to provide any protection against bone loss. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reviewed and analyzed 31clinical research studies, using soy products to examine any bone health benefits. So far, the overall scientific results showed no difference in bone health between people who consumed soy products and those who did not consume soy products for one year. There is not enough clinical research evidence to determine any bone health benefits at this time.
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