Soy Protein Benefits

Nearly 40 research studies have examined various types of soy products and found significantly decreased serum concentration of total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins and triglycerides when animal products are replaced by soy protein in the diet.

Soy products that contain fat are rich in polyunsaturated fat called linoleic acid, which has been shown to lower blood cholesterol. Certain phytochemicals found in soy, notably genistein and daidzein, may offer further protection against cardiovascular disease. To date, little research has been done on whey protein's effect on total cholesterol, LDL or triglycerides.

Research is underway to examine the potential for isoflavones to suppress tumor growth. Soy may reduce the risk of prostate cancer in men and breast cancer in women. Its high estrogen content may lengthen the menstrual cycle in women, thereby reducing the potential cancer-causing effect of one's own estrogen.

A big concern with recommending additional protein is its potentially taxing effect on the kidneys. Soy protein isolate has been proven to decrease the load placed on the kidneys by decreasing proteinuria, renal hypertrophy, and causing less renal histological damage.

Research on Romanian Olympic rowers, swimmers and kayak-canoers indicates that a soy protein supplement aids in the formation of lean body mass, increases serum hemoglobin, decreases urinary mucoproteins (renal stress due to excretion of higher amounts of mucoproteins is considered a biochemical marker of metabolic fatigue in the athlete) and reduces fatigue after training sessions.

Soy's ability to reduce the workload of the kidneys and maintain the health of the vascular system, and the preventative properties of isoflavones, genistein and daidzein give soy a distinct advantage over whey protein.

Soy protein is a healthy adjunct to a varied diet, whether your goals are to lose weight or improve sports performance.