| 6
ways soy benefits your health
by Monique N. Gilbert
Soy
and most soy-based products are nutritional powerhouses. Soybeans
are the only plant food that have all of the essential amino
acids our body requires, making it a complete protein. Soy
foods do not have any cholesterol, and most are high in fiber.
Soy also has many vitamins, minerals, and phytochemical compounds
(like isoflavones) that work together to create numerous health
benefits. Research shows that a daily intake of at least 25
grams of soy protein and 30-50 milligrams of isoflavones can
improve and safeguard your health. This is the equivalent
of 1-2 servings of soy foods a day. Here is a list of soy’s
properties and how they can positively affect you.
| 1 |
Soy’s
protein and isoflavones lower LDL (the bad) cholesterol
and decrease blood clotting (thrombosis), which reduces
the risk of heart attack and stroke. |
| 2 |
Soy’s
protein and isoflavones provide antioxidants, reduce artery
clogging plaque, improve blood pressure and promote healthy
blood vessels, which protects the body from free radical
damage, boosts the immune system, and lowers the risk
of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heart
disease, and hypertension (high blood pressure). |
| 3 |
Soy’s
soluble fiber protects the body from many digestive related
cancers, such as colon and rectal cancer, while isoflavones
may protect the body from many hormone-related cancers,
like breast, endometrial (uterine) and prostate cancer. |
| 4 |
Soy’s
protein enhances the body’s ability to
retain and better absorb calcium in the bones, while isoflavones
slow bone loss and inhibit bone breakdown, which helps
prevent osteoporosis. |
| 5 |
Soy’s
isoflavones help the body regulate estrogen when this
hormone is declining or fluctuating, which helps alleviate
many menopausal and PMS symptoms. |
| 6 |
Soy’s
protein and soluble fiber help regulate glucose levels
and kidney filtration, which helps control diabetic conditions
and kidney disease. |
To
learn more about soy, visit the Virtues of Soy website at
www.virtuesofsoy.com.
Copyright
© Monique N. Gilbert - All Rights Reserved.
Monique N. Gilbert, B.Sc., is a Health Advocate, Certified
Personal Trainer/Fitness Counselor, Recipe Developer, Soy
Food Connoisseur and author of “Virtues of Soy: A Practical
Health Guide and Cookbook”.
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