Soy
Protein - Healthy For Your Heart?
Soy
protein and other soy-based products got a big boost (both in credibility
and "marketability") in October 1999, when the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration authorized manufacturers to put this claim
on their product labels...
"A
daily diet containing 25 grams of soy protein, also low in saturated
fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease."
In
comparison to other protein supplements (like whey, milk, egg, or
casein), soy falls short on several fronts. It doesn't blend well,
doesn't taste all that great, and has a history of causing gastrointestinal
disturbances like increased flatulence. However, the recent FDA
ruling has made it attractive for companies to invest in improving
the quality and taste of soy products, and they are currently doing
so. On the plus side, soy is substantially cheaper than its high-end
whey-based counterparts.
With
that said...
Soy
*is* a high-quality protein, and a perfectly acceptable source of
lean protein. For dieters, soy may have an increased benefit...
Numerous
studies show that soy supplements may have a beneficial effect on
the body's natural production of metabolism-boosting compound T3.
A faster metabolism means your body burns more calories at rest.
That's always a good thing, right?
Sure.
But everything is *not* rosy in soy land. Soy contains phytoestrogens
- chemicals that cause "feminizing" effects. In fact,
some physicians/scientists have warned mothers not to feed soy based
formulas to their young children, so as to not endanger their development.
Soy's healthful benefits seem to be somewhat in doubt - interesting
(but somewhat dull) articles below...
Article
from the American Academy of Pediatrics
U.S.
Food and Drug Administration - Health Claims for Soy Protein
As
an avid weight trainer, any supplement that increases the possibility
of higher levels of estrogen (and estrogen-like) compounds is not
something I'm thrilled about. Then again, I
don't use soy supplements very often - as I mentioned earlier they
can't compete with whey protein for taste and "mixability."
For
women, excess soy consumption may lead to longer, more painful,
and heavier periods.
That
not withstanding, I think you'd be pretty safe to supplement with
soy products -- provided you don't go overboard. Personally, I'd
recommend a protein blend -- either buy a compilation product, or
mix a scoop of your favorite soy product with your favorite whey
protein. That way, you get *all* the benefits!
Here's
some quality products for you to investigate...
EAS
Myoplex Lite - blend of soy and whey proteins
Genisoy
Ultra XT Protein Shake
Soy Protein and More on The Home Page!
