The plant-based community is divided on the topic of whether soy products are healthy or unhealthy to eat. Some people are in favor of soy, calling it a superfood while others look down on soy.
So, What Exactly is the Deal on Soy?
Soy foods are an excellent protein and healthy fat sources. Over the last 25 years, researchers have studied soy food for their role in helping to prevent and treat chronic diseases. Evidence shows that soy lowers the risk of heart disease and breast and prostate cancer.
Soy foods help alleviate hot flashes, may improve kidney function, and lower depression symptoms.
Soy is a Complete Protein!
Soy foods are rich in nutrients such as B vitamins, fiber, potassium, magnesium, and high-quality protein. Consuming enough protein is sometimes difficult for people that follow a plant-based diet. Well, that is where soy can come to the rescue. Soy is a high-quality complete protein, meaning it has most of the essential amino acids that the body cannot make and humans need from their diet. So, it can help people who do not eat meat, like vegans and vegetarians, to meet their protein needs.
Soy and Weight Loss
Several nutrition intervention studies suggest that the intake of soy proteins have a positive impact on body weight and fat mass as well as cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin resistance in humans with obesity. Intake of soy protein lowers total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. Eating soy protein may also increase fullness, decrease hunger and reduce excess fat in individuals who are overweight.
Soy for the Win!
The clear conclusion is that soy is an excellent source of protein.
Soy foods can be safely included as part of a healthy diet.
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By: Karina Patel Registered Dietitian Eligible
Reviewed by Carol Aguirre MS, RD/LDN