Soy is a valuable source of protein for millions of people around the world. It also contains other beneficial nutrients in addition to the soy protein. For example, soy contains all nine of the essential amino acids that cannot be synthesized by your body. Your body uses amino acids to build new proteins. So, consuming soy could be enough to substitute animal proteins. Besides, soy has low levels of saturated fat and no cholesterol. A diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol is considered to be heart-healthy. However, you should not use soy without first talking to your doctor.
Components
Soy protein normally has high fiber, polyunsaturated fats, vitamins and minerals, including B-vitamins, calcium and iron. Soybean oil contains most linoleic and linolenic acids, two predominant fatty acids in many plant oils, which are associated with many health benefits, including protection against heart disease and stroke. The principle isoflavones in soy, namely genistein and daidzen, have also been shown to inhibit cancer cells in mice and in cells grown in the laboratory.
Health Benefits
Soy protein has been linked to a variety of health benefits in humans. Soy isoflavones increase nitric oxide synthesis in the blood. Nitric oxide gas in the blood facilitates vascular dilation and lowers ambulatory blood pressure. Soy also inhibits thrombin formation and platelet activation. Inappropriate activation of platelets can induce a heart attack or stroke. It remains uncertain if soy isoflavones are able to reduce the risk of breast cancer. So, ask your doctor before taking soy protein supplements.
Dosage
The amount of soy protein most appropriate in producing beneficial effects is unknown. Soy is generally safe when eaten in modest amounts, but you should avoid those soy supplements that provide megadoses. Also, it is always best to obtain nutrients from whole foods rather than supplements.
Safety Issues
It is best to avoid soy when managing food allergies. Soy protein contains allergens, which may trigger allergy attacks. Common soy allergy symptoms include itchy hives, nausea, diarrhea, gastric cramps, headaches, wheezing, dizziness and a low pulse. Soy contains substances that depress thyroid function. Patients with hypothyroid symptoms should reduce the intake of soy products.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Soy
- Ohio State University: Department of Food Science & Technology: Soybeans Protein
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: BIDMC Research Investigator/Faculty Information
- University of Southern California: So Far Soy Good; Alicia Di Rado
- University at Buffalo: Soy Isoflavones Decrease Risk of Invasive Breast Cancer, Large Breast Tumors, Study Shows; Anne Weaver; 2010
- Cornell University: Sprecher Institute for Comparative Cancer Research; Phytoestrogens and Breast Cancer; July 2003
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