1. Animal Protein Alternative
Soy protein is a plant-based food that comes from soybeans. The soybeans are crushed into powder form and added to supplements, foods and beverages. First discovered more than 3,000 years ago in China, soybeans arrived in the United States by the 1700s. Soy protein acts as an alternative to animal proteins such as beef, pork, poultry and eggs. Because of this, soy protein is a popular food source among vegetarians.
2. How Does a Soybean Garden Grow?
Soybean seeds are planted during the spring when the soil temperature reaches 55 to 60 degrees. To ensure a healthy crop, use a fertile, well-drained soil. Plant the seeds no more than two inches deep into the soil. Wait for the soybeans to grow to maturity within three to five months after planting.
3. Get Your Soy Protein Here
Soy protein is widely used in Asian dishes such as tempeh, miso soup, soy sauce and tofu. Other popular soy products include milk, cheese, yogurt, soy nuts or soy butter. Cereal, oatmeal, chips, protein bars, smoothies and baked goods with soy flour are also good sources of soy protein. You can even find soy sausage, burgers and hot dogs in your local grocery store. While soy protein is more common in food, it's also found in animal feed, pet food, biodiesel fuel, candles and soaps.
4. Soy Does a Body Good
Adding soy protein to an already healthful diet of fruits, vegetables and grains can improve heart health and lower blood pressure. Much like animal protein, soy contains the amino acids the body needs to help build protein. The difference between the two is soy is lower in saturated fat. Eating soy protein also lowers cholesterol, and decreases the chance of developing breast and prostate cancer and osteoporosis. Soy also alleviates symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes. The nutrients of soy protein have even contributed to weight loss, therefore reducing the chance or developing diabetes. It contains complex carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, folate and iron.
5. Choose Soy Sources Wisely
Consume your soy protein through food and drink rather than taking a powder or pill supplement. The supplements available in health food stores may not provide the full recommended dose of soy or amino acids that you need. The FDA recommends eating at least 25 grams of soy per day. You should slowly allow soy protein into your diet, since it is easy to reach the 25-gram limit. For example, a soy burger gives you nearly 12 grams of protein, and a 4-ounce serving of tofu can yield up to 13 grams. Eating a cup of roasted soy nuts gives you nearly 20 grams of soy protein, so you have plenty of options for getting your daily intake.
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