If you enjoy soy as part of your regular dietary habits, then you are probably well aware of the benefits. However, many others are just starting to think about adding soy foods to their diets. Soy has been reported in the scientific literature to have numerous benefits, too many to list here. However, a few are briefly discussed below.
Soybeans are Nutritional Powerhouses – Soybeans are a rich source of protein. In fact, about 37% of the raw soybean consists of protein, one that is complete, high quality, and meets all of our related nutritional requirements. Of the fat present, over 80% is of the healthier, unsaturated kind. Soybeans also are a quality source of several vitamins and minerals, including folate, calcium, zinc, and iron.
Soy Foods Support Healthy Weight Loss – Research shows that one of the other benefits is that soy products can be an effective part of a healthy diet plan. Dieters in Revival’s weight loss trial lost a remarkable 26 pounds on average in just 16 weeks. Additionally, it has been reported that soy protein shakes can improve body composition by decreasing either total body fat or decreasing belly fat in postmenopausal women.
Many Soy Products are Low Glycemic – Many soy foods and soy products made from soybeans have a low glycemic index. Low glycemic soy products have carbohydrates that are slowly digested and absorbed, producing smaller rises in blood sugar. This might lead to fewer hunger cravings and better appetite control. A study by leading experts found that many Revival soy products have a low glycemic index with little impact on blood sugar.
Soy Eases Hot Flashes and Night Sweats – Numerous research studies have demonstrated that another of the benefits of soy protein and isoflavones is that they can help ease normal menopausal discomforts like hot flashes and night sweats. Results from one study found that daily use of Revival soy products improved postmenopausal quality of life with a typical reduction in hot flashes and night sweats of about 40% in just 12 weeks.
Although soybeans and the products made from them have been around for centuries, many of us are not aware of the many benefits. While countries like Japan, China, and Korea include soy foods in their diets on a regular basis, Western countries like the United States consume few on average. With current research pointing out the nutritional benefits and the addition of soy foods to the newest dietary guidelines for Americans, hopefully more people will include them as a key part of a healthy lifestyle.