Soy Protein

Soy Protein Benefits

For quite a few years now, physicians and scientists have been touting soy protein as a helpful and healthful agent in the comprehensive approach to various conditions and bodily functions. Though many people have heard only the most popular, that of its aid to the female reproductive system during menopause, there are quite a few other bodily health benefits to supplementing with soy protein.

• Menopause: Let’s start with one we all know; how soy protein supplementation can aid in the reproductive system of a women going through menopause. Studies show that some of the more common and negative side effects that a woman encounters during this change of life can be improved or eliminated completely with regular use of soy protein supplements. For example, bodily temperature changes, such as hot flashes and chills, have consistently been reported as aided with soy protein.
• Heart Healthy: Though you may not know it, soy protein supplements also promote a healthy heart. It has been shown to lower cholesterol and triglycerides that, if at high levels, notoriously lead to heart problems, while also offering the body high fiber dosage to increase the metabolism and further combat bad cholesterol.
• Cancer Prevention: Studies have shown that many women have been aided in preventing the onslaught of auto immune diseases such as breast cancer, while also helping many men fight off prostrate cancer.
• Healthy Bones: Regular soy protein supplementation is also linked to stronger bones, due to its high amount of calcium; and is helpful in warding off bone deterioration and eventual bone disorders, such as osteoporosis.

Soy Protein Dosage

If you are considering taking soy protein supplements for any or all of the above benefits, the next question you are likely to have is what is a suitable dosage to both, not take too much while also gaining the healthful benefits of this supplement? While soy protein is an option for protein and not a must have for bodily health, the FDA claims that at 25 grams of soy protein per day is the correct amount to ward off troublesome conditions, side effects, and the like. This supplementation should be used in connection with a “diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol”.

If you have chosen to get your soy through soy foods, the FDA recommends heeding these guidelines:

• Get four 6.25 gram servings of soy protein per day
• Choose soy foods that are low in saturated fat (less than 1 gram)
• Choose soy foods that are low in fat (less than 3 grams)
• Choose soy foods that are low in cholesterol (less than 20 mg)

Soy Protein Side Effects

There has been much discussion about the positives as well as the negatives of regular soy protein use, which might make you wonder if soy protein supplements are right for you. While soy protein does have its benefits to various health conditions, it has also shown some association with some mild to serious side effects, which are listed here:

• Testosterone: Preliminary studies have shown a connection between regular intake of soy protein and lowered levels of testosterone in males, as well as an imbalance of testosterone and estrogen in males. There have also been studies that are concerned that males taking soy protein have a lower sperm count.
• Thyroid Problems: Another possible risk is that regular soy protein intake could lead to thyroid problems. Soy contains goitrogens which impairs the function of the thyroid.
• Cancer: Though studies still report low incident of those taking soy protein and developing cancer, this is another concern in the medical field. Soy protein contains isoflavones which may lead to cancer.
• Memory: Memory is another possible side effect of regular soy protein intake-in that those taking large quantities of soy protein are supposedly more prone to long term memory problems and forgetfulness.

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