Soy Protein Powder Supplement

From LoveToKnow Vegetarian

Soy protein powder supplement packages are found in health food stores, nutrition aisles, and natural supermarkets nationwide. Whether flavored or unflavored, many are packaged as drink mixes or intended to mix into a blended concoction to create a frothy milkshake-like beverage. Soy protein powder supplements makes a great protein source for vegans who choose not to consume whey protein shakes because whey derives from cow’s milk.

Soy protein powders are used to create milkshake-like drinks.

Soy Protein Powder Supplement Facts

Soy protein powders derive from the soybean. Cultivated for centuries for their nutritious beans, soybeans form many useful protein-packed foods suitable for vegan and vegetarian diets, including tofu and miso.

Soybean Facts

Soybeans have been cultivated around the world and eaten raw, cooked, or fermented into tofu, miso and other products. In 1936, the first soy proteins were isolated by an American chemist named Percy Lavon Julian. Dr. Julian’s work revolutionized the printing industry. Soy protein isolates were used with printing ink and paper in the printing process to bind the inks and make them colorfast. Soy protein isn’t just nutritious – it’s also a lifesaver. During World War II, chemists found yet another use for this very useful bean. They created fire extinguisher foam from the soybean which was quite effective at putting out gasoline and oil fires. The humble soybean plant saved many lives aboard aircraft carriers thanks to the soybean-based foam.

In the 1960’s, soy proteins were introduced into foods, including pet foods. Although soy is listed as the second-most allergic substance for humans, coming in second only to peanuts, for those who can tolerate it, soy provides a dense plant-based protein source.

Health Effects of Soy

Numerous studies point to benefits and drawbacks of soy protein powders and protein sources. Early studies published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 1995 linked soy proteins with a decrease in serum cholesterol and LDL’s, the so-called ‘bad’ cholesterol. The American Heart Association also published papers linking soybean product consumption, such as eating tofu and soy burgers, as beneficial to cardiovascular health. In 2007, the American Association of Cancer Research, however, published an interesting study linking soy protein powder supplement intake with a decrease in testosterone in young men. The researchers hope this will point them towards additional cancer-prevention benefits of soy, but the results hint what some researchers feared all along; that soy interacts with the human hormonal systems, both male and female, sometimes with unintended consequences. Generally though, soy and soy powder supplements are considered safe for human consumption, as long as you are neither sensitive nor allergic to them.

Soy Protein Powder

Soy protein powder typically contains soy isolates. With their neutral flavor, they are often combined with other products such as veggie burgers, to add texture without adding unwanted flavors.

Benefits of Soy Protein Powders

The human body cannot manufacture all of the amino acids it needs. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. Protein is essential for muscle growth and development and other functions. People who eat meat obtain complete proteins, replete with all the amino acids they need, from poultry, beef, pork, and other meats. Vegetarians and vegans must obtain additional protein through plant-based sources, with vegans facing the greatest challenge since they cannot eat eggs or dairy. The solution for vegans is often a soy-based protein product like soy protein powders.

Benefits of soy protein powders include:

  • Rich source of arginine and glutamine, two amino acids.
  • Soy isolates are thought to boost the immune system’s response to invaders

Uses of Soy Powders

Soy protein powders are most often used as meal replacement shakes. Mixed with water, ice, fruits or other substances and blended according to package directions, they yield a nutritious and filling vegan drink. Many bodybuilders turn to soy protein powders to increase muscle mass, and drink soy beverages or other protein-packed beverages after a weight training session to build muscle mass.

If you’d like to try some soy-based protein powder recipes, visit any of the following sources:

  • Body and Fitness features yummy vegan protein drink recipes ranging from Apple Pie to Double Chocolate Fudge soy based drinks. You’ll think you’re drinking a dessert instead of increasing your protein intake when you try these recipes.
  • Body Building for You includes shake and breakfast recipes that include soy protein powders. Make whole grain pancakes or a variety of dishes from these filling, satisfying vegan recipes.


 


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