By Ginger Cochran, MS, RDN, CDCES
In recent years, there has been confusion about the health benefits of soy due to the uprise of health influencers. Today, we will get the rumors straight, review the scientific research, and bring clarity to the public regarding the truth about the health benefits of soy.
Health Benefits of Soy Protein
1. Weight Loss, Including Abdominal Fat Reduction:
Are you looking to shed those extra pounds and trim down your waistline? Incorporating soy protein into your diet may be a valuable ally in your weight loss journey. Research suggests that soy protein consumption can aid in fat loss around the midsection (1).
Studies have shown that daily intake of soy protein like Designer Soy can positively reduce body fat, possibly by inhibiting fat production and enhancing fat oxidation (2) (3).
To achieve a slimmer, healthier physique, consider adding soy protein to your daily regimen. Try the slimmer soy shake made with Designer Soy below for an easy addition to any meal plan.
Slimming Soy Shake
2 Scoops Designer Soy
2 Cups Fresh Spinach (half cup frozen)
1 Cup Milk of Choice
1 Cup Strawberries
2 teaspoons psyllium husk
(optional) ½ cup ice cubes
Combine ingredients in a blender and enjoy!
2. Cancer Prevention:
Soy products may be powerful weapons in cancer prevention. Numerous studies have demonstrated the potential of soy-based products to inhibit abnormal cell division and metastasis, acting as anti-cancer agents in various types of cancer (4).
Try incorporating a cancer-prevention smoothie into your weekly routine. Try this cancer-preventing smoothie below and enjoy feeling confident you are doing what is best for your health!
Cancer Prevention Smoothie
1 Cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
1 Tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
1 teaspoon Turmeric
1 Cup Milk of Choice like Flaxmilk
2 Scoops Designer Soy
(optional) ½ cup ice cubes
Combine ingredients in a blender and enjoy!
3. Reducing the Risk of Heart Disease:
Heart disease is the number one killer of men and women (5). Eating a heart-healthy diet is imperative in the fight against heart disease. Soy protein may play a crucial role in cardiovascular health in this fight!
Research has shown that soy protein consumption can improve cholesterol levels by lowering LDL or "bad" cholesterol (6). Additionally, soy-based products have been associated with increased HDL or "good" cholesterol, further contributing to heart health (6).
By incorporating soy products like tofu, edamame, tempeh, and Designer Soy protein powder into your diet, you can take proactive steps to reduce your risk of heart disease and maintain a healthy heart.
Try this overnight oats recipe with Designer Soy for a fun way to include fiber and soy into your diet.
4. Menopausal Symptom Relief:
Menopause can bring about a host of uncomfortable symptoms, from hot flashes to osteoporosis. Fortunately, soy products rich in isoflavones offer a natural and safe alternative for managing these symptoms (7).
Isoflavone, found abundantly in soybeans, possesses estrogen-like effects that can help alleviate menopausal discomforts such as hot flashes and genital atrophy (7). By incorporating soy into your diet, you can experience relief from these bothersome symptoms.
Try the hormone-balancing smoothie recipe below for a delicious way to find relief and balance.
Happy Hormone Smoothie
2 Scoops Designer Soy
1 Tablespoon Ground Flaxseed
½ Cup Pomegranate Juice
½ Cup Fresh or Frozen Blueberries
1 Cup Fresh Spinach (½ cup frozen)
½ Avocado
(optional) ½ cup ice cubes
Combine ingredients in a blender and enjoy!
5. High-Quality Protein Source:
Protein is the building block of life, and soy protein stands out as a top-tier option for meeting your protein needs. With a protein digestibility-corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) of 1.00, soy protein rivals even animal-based proteins regarding quality and digestibility (8).
Soy protein provides all the essential amino acids your body needs and is well-absorbed, making it an ideal choice for supporting muscle growth, repair, and overall health.
Soy protein is also a lean protein. Designer Soy has only 100 calories and a whopping 20g of protein in just two scoops. Add Designer Soy to your smoothie; it is an excellent way to boost your proteins and not calories.
Bottomline
The truth about soy is clear: it's a nutritional powerhouse with many health benefits. From aiding in weight loss and cancer prevention to supporting heart health and managing menopausal symptoms, soy protein offers many advantages for individuals looking to optimize their health and well-being.
With products like Designer Soy protein powder, you can easily incorporate the goodness of soy into your daily diet and reap the rewards of better health. So why wait? Start harnessing the power of soy today and take a step towards a healthier, happier you!
