Soya Protein
Why Choose Soy Protein?
Soybeans, like the other 19,000+ species of legumes, are often eaten whole, though they’re also often made into a variety of different products, including tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and other dairy and meat alternatives. Soy Protein itself is isolated from de-hulled and defatted soybeans. In turn, these de-hulled and defatted soybeans are transformed into a range of high protein products including soy flour, either in full-fat, defatted, or lecithin form; soy concentrate, which is about 70% Soy Protein; soy isolate, a highly refined form of soy protein with a minimum protein content of 90% which has been treated with enzymes to remove the fat and carbohydrates; as well as soy protein powder. Read more >There are no products matching the selection.
Soy Protein Powder
Soybeans, like the other 19,000+ species of legumes, are often eaten whole, though they’re also often made into a variety of different products, including tofu, tempeh, soy milk, and other dairy and meat alternatives. Soy protein itself is isolated from de-hulled and defatted soybeans. In turn, these de-hulled and defatted soybeans are transformed into a range of high protein products including soy flour, either in full-fat, defatted, or lecithin form; soy concentrate, which is about 70% Soy protein; soy isolate, a highly refined form of soy protein with a minimum protein content of 90% which has been treated with enzymes to remove the fat and carbohydrates; as well as soy protein powder. Soy protein is a complete protein because it provides the 9 essential amino acids and is an inexpensive source of vegan protein.
Soy protein-rich foods offer differing degrees of digestibility. For instance, steamed soybeans offer a 65.3% digestibility, while tofu sits at 92.7%, soy milk at 92.6%, and soy protein isolate at 93–97%. Research suggests that the biological value of soy protein isolates is comparable to that of animal proteins like casein when enriched with the amino acid methionine.
Unfortunately, soy has become an increasingly common food sensitivity, often starting in infancy as an initial reaction to soy-based infant formula. Although most children do outgrow a soy allergy, others carry the allergy into adulthood. Soy allergy/sensitivity can cause symptoms such as gas, bloating, fatigue, irritability, skin rashes, and changes in bowel movements.
Benefits of Soy Protein Powder
- Aids Weight Loss
- Helps Maintain Satiety
- Promotes Healthy Lipid Profiles
- Supports Muscle Building
Why Choose Soy Protein Powder?
A soy protein supplement may be recommended to those looking to lose weight, bolster energy, or wanting to build muscle mass. A naturopath may also recommend soy protein to those with hormonally-based symptoms such as seen during perimenopause and menopause, to help balance hormones, as well as to decrease their risk of irregular breast cell growth, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
Soy Protein Varieties
Soy protein supplements are available in a range of formats including capsules and tablets, as well as in powder, and ready-to-drink liquid blends. There is no set standard as far as dosing goes on soy protein supplements, but the majority supply somewhere in the 15 – 25g of protein per serving. Soy protein supplements are often sourced from GMO soybeans, so pay attention to product labels and select one that clearly states it is sourced from Organic, NON-GMO soybeans.
Final Thoughts
The soybean is unique in that it contains a high concentration of isoflavones, plant estrogens (or phytoestrogens) that are similar to human estrogen, though much weaker. Once consumed, soy isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors inside the body and cause estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity, which is why they are often used in lieu of Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT) or to mitigate menopausal symptoms. While the research on phytoestrogen use in those with a history of hormone-dependent cell abnormalities is uneven and opinions differ greatly, in such instances, it's generally recommended to discuss the appropriateness of consuming soy protein regularly or using phytoestrogen supplements with your treating physician.
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