Should you take soy protein everyday?
Soy protein is a very valuable source of branched-chain amino-acids (BCAA's) to build, repair and strengthen your muscles. There are significant advantages to including Soy Protein in a healthy diet. Still, there are questions about how much and how often Soy should be eaten. There have been concerns that soy protein may increase estrogen levels in men when taken in normal or even above normal amounts. This concern is not based in fact. Vast quantities of soy protein would be required to do so, and the amounts involved would be far greater than anyone could or should ever ingest. Below are some additional questions surrounding soy protein and its proper use.
1. What is soy protein? Soy protein, specifically in the form of soy protein concentrate or soy protein isolate, is an outstanding source of branched-chain amino-acids which are the fundamental building blocks for muscle growth, repair and strength. Soy protein also has an abundance of isoflavones which are natural anti-oxidants. The isoflavones are good for heart and bone protection, the relief of menopausal symptoms, protection against breast and endometrial cancer, and, they have also been known to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL.) These are some of the immediate advantages of soy protein.
2.What are the advantages of soy protein and soy protein supplements? Soy protein and soy protein supplements help burn fat. Soy protein is thermogenic, meaning that in the physiological process it burn's heat. This will assist in burning more calories than the total calories consumed from the soy protein! Another big advantage of soy protein and soy protein supplements (like protein powders that are specifically soy protein concentrate and or soy protein isolate,) is the FDA's heart health claim for soy: 4 servings per day of soy can reduce bad cholesterol low density lipoproteins (LDL's) by as much as 10%. And each 1% reduction in LDL's translates into an approximate 2% reduction in the risk of heart disease. Further still, protein powders made of soy protein concentrate and or soy protein isolate raise the thyroid hormone response, effectively increasing metabolism.
3. Should I take soy protein everyday? The answer is clearly YES. The most convenient and effective way is through a good soy protein supplement, like protein powder, specifically soy protein concentrate or soy protein isolate. But pay very close attention - the very best way to take soy protein is in a blend. A blend of protein, (for example a blend of soy protein and whey protein,) will allow the body to absorb the full spectrum of protein and to benefit from varying rates of absorption. Though almost all protein has the same combination of 20 amino-acids, the amino-acids appear in different and varying proportions depending on protein source. So, for example, whey protein will have a higher proportion of l-lecuine, l-isoleucine and l-valine. And for example, soy protein has much higher proportions of glutamine and arginine.
Whether an elite athlete, a weekend warrior, just starting a training program or a top-level bodybuilder, taking soy protein everyday will help to achieve both training and competition goals. Soy protein and soy protein supplements are a vitally important component to helping muscle tissue repair and grow pre- and post- workout. The basic facts from trainers, dieticians, consultants, doctors, clinicians and athletes all point to the excellent benefits of soy protein. Though in the past there was some controversy, the knowledge and results available in 2007 clearly point to the benefits of including soy protein in a healthy diet. | |||||
