| Protein has been garnering extra attention as the | | | | Nonetheless, soy isoflavones possess a number |
| health conscious realize the benefits of including | | | | of beneficial effects, such as improving kidney |
| protein in their diets. Protein is needed to help | | | | function and preventing bone loss. |
| rebuild the body’s tissue, which is particularly | | | | If you are not allergic to soy, there are very few |
| important to athletes and bodybuilders. In fact, | | | | side effects to including soy in your diet. In some |
| the body is in need of a continual supply of | | | | people, however, consuming soy on a routine |
| protein in order to repair and to build its tissue. | | | | basis can lead to an upset stomach and may |
| Protein is also essential for producing antibodies, | | | | even cause diarrhea or constipation. |
| hormones, new muscle tissue, and blood | | | | Whey Protein |
| hemoglobin. All protein that is lost within the body | | | | Like soy protein, whey protein has been shown to |
| must be replaced and protein must be present in | | | | provide a number of benefits. For example, clinical |
| order for new tissue to be constructed. | | | | studies have shown whey protein can: |
| While athletes swear by the ability of animal | | | | - Act as a natural antibacterial or anti-viral |
| protein to build muscles, researchers are | | | | - Assist in maintaining the proper weight |
| concerned about the potential effects of animal | | | | - Reduce the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue |
| protein on the liver and the kidneys, as well as | | | | Syndrome |
| the link between animal protein and osteoporosis. | | | | - Reduce liver damage |
| As a result, many are turning toward soy protein | | | | - Improve the function of the immune system |
| and whey protein instead. But, what are the | | | | - Improve blood pressure |
| benefits, drawbacks, and differences between | | | | - Improve athletic performance |
| these different forms of protein? And, how much | | | | - Improve the function of the digestive system |
| should you include in your diet in order to garner | | | | - Reduce gastric mucosal injury |
| the benefits you are looking for? | | | | Whey protein is very high in biological value (BV), |
| Soy Protein | | | | which is highly sought by athletes. In short, BV is |
| Soybeans contain high quantities of protein | | | | the amount of protein your body can replace with |
| (considered to be of equal quality as animal | | | | 100 grams of consumed diet. The only other |
| protein) and also contain substantial amounts of | | | | foods containing high levels of BV are whole eggs |
| amino acids. In addition, soy has been observed to | | | | and egg whites. Unlike eggs, however, whey |
| lower cholesterol. Even the Food and Drug | | | | protein does not contain high levels of fat. |
| Administration (FDA) has stated 25 grams of soy | | | | While soy protein is derived from soybeans, whey |
| protein per day can reduce the chances of | | | | protein is derived from milk as a diluted byproduct |
| developing heart disease. | | | | of the cheese-making process. Fresh liquid whey |
| Soy protein has also been found to reduce the | | | | protein contains only about 1% protein because it |
| symptoms of menopause, to reduce the risk of | | | | is mostly comprised of lactose and water. For this |
| developing osteoporosis, and to help prevent a | | | | reason, it takes about 229 liters of milk to |
| number of diseases related to hormonal issues. | | | | produce just one kilogram of high quality whey |
| These include endometrial cancer, breast cancer, | | | | protein isolate. |
| and prostate cancer. Soy protein has also been | | | | While in its original form, whey protein affects the |
| shown to speed up the metabolism of the | | | | digestive tract in much the same way as yogurt. |
| thyroid, which can help with obtaining a leaner | | | | Therefore, it is considered to be a natural remedy |
| body. If you are intolerant to soy, however, its | | | | for many intestinal issues. In fact, it is often used |
| specific protein can actually have the opposite | | | | in Sweden to help prevent bowel problems, gas, |
| effect. | | | | and constipation. Nonetheless, it can have the |
| A number of soy protein products can be found | | | | opposite effect and actually lead to constipation |
| at health food stores, including food bars, soy | | | | for some individuals. |
| burgers, and even soy-based beverages. Those | | | | The amount of whey protein recommended in a |
| products containing soy protein isolate generally | | | | person’s diet depends on his or her weight, |
| have the highest saturation. Other products | | | | gender, age, level of activity, and overall health. |
| containing soy protein include soy flour, whole | | | | Including both soy and whey protein in your diet |
| soybeans, and tofu. Be sure to check the product | | | | can be very beneficial to your health; but, since |
| label in order to determine the amount of soy | | | | both can lead to constipation, be sure to follow a |
| protein the product contains. | | | | high fiber diet to help keep your bowel |
| Remember, however, soy isoflavones, which are | | | | movements regular. Try one or both of these |
| sold as supplements in health food stores, are not | | | | all-natural health supplements and discover the |
| the same substance as pure soy protein. | | | | results for yourself! |