Soy protein isolate is what's left after the protein has been separated from the soybean. It's a powder that's used as an ingredient in a wide range of foods and to produce soy supplements. The end product is 90 to 95 percent protein and is fat-free. The remaining nutrients are carbohydrates. The bio-active components in soy protein isolate may help prevent breast, colorectal and prostate cancers.
Ingredients
The main ingredients in soy that may help prevent certain types of cancer are isoflavones. According to the American Cancer Society, research as of 2011 was limited to animal trials and studying the eating habits of human populations with low cancer rates. Isoflavones, also called plant estrogen or phytoestrogen, mimic human hormone development and may protect you against cancer.
Types
Soy protein isolate is promoted as a healthy treatment and prevention strategy for a number of types of cancer. The estrogen-like properties of soy protein may decrease the PSA levels in men. PSA, or prostate-specific antigens, are substances that often grow when a man develops prostate cancer. Studies are mixed on the results of using soy protein to treat or prevent breast cancer. While some professionals believe it may be helpful, others worry that soy could worsen the progression of the disease. Other cancers that may respond to treatment with soy protein isolates include stomach, colon, lung and uterine cancers.
Sources
You should talk to your doctor before beginning a soy protein supplement regimen because of the possible negative effects of the nutrient on your particular kind of cancer. At the same time, dietary soy is an effective source of protein that's low-fat and may reduce your risk of developing heart disease by lowering your serum blood cholesterol levels. You can find dietary soy in tofu and tempeh products, many vegetarian options provided in your grocery store aisles and in roasted soybeans. Soy milk, cheese and yogurt products are widely available in grocery stores because of soy's popularity as a healthy protein source.
Warnings
While studies continue on the effects of soy, you should watch for side effects and beware of possible interactions and negative results. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies indicate that excessive soy consumption may increase the rate of cancer cell production for people with breast cancer. Soy may be particularly harmful if you've already had breast cancer. The phytoestrogens in soy protein isolate also reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs you may be taking to treat breast cancer. If you are allergic to soy, you need to avoid any products made with the manufactured protein isolate byproduct.
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