Difference Between Soy Protein
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The main difference between soy protein and whey protein shakes is not so much the shake itself, but the proteins used in the shakes.
Soy protein is made from soybeans. Soybeans are in the legume family, and are a source of carbohydrates.
Soy Protein Details
Soy, while a very good source of protein is missing an essential amino acid called methionine, although most soy shakes are now being fortified with amino acids to make them more complete.
In addition, some soy protein products are processed using toxic chemicals such as hexane. These chemicals are not good for your body.
Soy proteins are also not as easy for your body to absorb as other proteins, such as whey protein is. This means that by the time your body absorbs soy protein, a high percentage of the protein contained in soy has gone through your body unused.
Soy and soy powder used in shakes are little dynamos when it comes to protein supplements. The Food & Drug Administration approved manufacturer of soy powder, and other soy products to specifically state that "diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that includes 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease."
Although no studies have been conducted, there's a theory that Asian women do not suffer from some menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes because of their high intake of soy. In addition, the Annals of Internal Medicine found that people with high blood pressure, who added soy protein powder to their diets, experienced lower the blood pressure levels.
Also in April of 2005, the International Journal of Cancer Prevention published the findings of a study that indicated that the addition of soy powder or other soy products to a woman's diet may increase her risk of breast cancer by 22 percent.
Men may also benefit by adding soy powder to their daily diet. Studies have shown that soy may have a part in maintaining a healthy digestive tract, including the colon, and may even reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
Soy protein does mix as well as whey protein in shakes, and women benefit from soy protein and soy protein shakes more then men do.
Whey Protein Details
Whey protein is more nutritionally complete then soy protein. Whey is absorbed into the body faster, which means less protein passes through your body unused. This is an important factor to consider if you are a bodybuilder or athlete. Because of the high content of amino acids, and your body's ability to absorb the protein found in whey shakes at a fast rate, your muscles will be rebuilt and repaired much faster after a workout or athletic event.
In addition, whey protein shakes mix better, and have a more neutral taste allowing for the natural flavors of the fruit, or other natural foods you add to your protein shake.
Whey contains all the necessary amino acids your body needs, and has the highest biological value of all known proteins to date. Biological value is the amount of protein actually absorbed and used by your body. The higher the quality of protein, the more nitrogen is absorbed into your body. Biological value is especially important to very active people such as bodybuilders and athletes because it is so vital to muscle metabolism and are the first of the amino acids to be used during an intense muscular workout.
If you are trying to increase your body's lean muscle mass, whey protein shakes may be an ideal supplement for you. However, if you are lactose intolerant, or have milk and dairy allergies, you may want to talk to your doctor before supplementing your diet with whey.
Studies have shown that whey proteins can help your body's immune system by increasing the amount of glutathione. Glutathione is an anti-oxidant that helps your body reduce the risk of infections by giving a huge boost to your immune system.
Do your research
Whichever type of protein shake you choose, soy or whey, you may want to do some research and find out whether soy or whey would be more beneficial for your individual situation and training regimen.
Whether you are hitting the gym, or participating in another type of athletic sport, it may be a good idea to supplement your body with a whey or protein shake.
