by Deborah English

Created on: October 01, 2007

Soy Protein is an ideal protein source for all human beings. No matter whether you are a Vegan, Vegetarian or a Meat Eater, regularly consuming whole soy protein foods has some tremendous health benefits.

One cup of soybeans supplies approximately 55 percent of the daily value at less than 300 calories. Moreover, unlike animal protein, it has only 2.2 grams of saturated fat, which already means a healthier heart and leaner body.

Broad-spectrum Benefits of Consuming Soy Foods

Numerous studies have proven that consuming whole soy foods regularly will lower potentially harmful LDL cholesterol levels, unlike meat which is well known to raise these levels. However, not only does the consumption of whole soy foods lower LDL levels (harmful cholesterol) but is proven to significantly raise HDL (beneficial cholesterol) levels.

Interestingly, it is the beneficial HDL cholesterol which travels through our blood vessels collecting the harmful cholesterol that has been deposited there and then formed into dangerous plaque. The HDL cholesterol then transports this hard plaque to the liver where it can be broken down and eliminated from the body.

Unlike animal sources of protein, soy beans contain fiber. As well as keeping the digestive tract clean and healthy, the soy bean fiber ensures that less fats and cholesterol in the body are absorbed by binding to them and removing them. Soy Bean fiber also removes bile salts from the body, forcing the liver to form more bile salts from cholesterol resulting in less overall cholesterol in the body.

Regular consumption of whole soy protein has also been shown to lower blood pressure in men and women, considerably reducing the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Soy protein also contains health giving Phytochemicals. Naturally occurring in plants, phytochemicals help to protect against and treat diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

Whole soy foods contain high levels of protective Omega 3 fatty acids which are anti-inflammatory and help to protect against heart disease, asthma and arthritis symptoms.

Additionally, an important antioxidant contained in soy foods called Selenium, helps the body fight against many cancers, including colon cancer.
Soy Beans also contain choline which has a major impact on brain function, the nervous system and on heart function.

Special Benefits for Women Consuming Soy Protein

Japanese women are living proof that consuming whole soy foods pre, during and post menopause, increases the likelihood

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