As obesity rates and associated diseases rise among Americans, people are beginning to carefully examine their diet to determine what changes may help them live longer and healthier lives.

Thankfully, many researchers have explored the role that diet may play in the development or prevention of serious diseases such as heart disease and cancer. Because of the lower incidences of such diseases in certain Asian countries when compared to Western countries, researchers have examined the differences in diets consumed between these regions. One major dietary difference is the consumption of soyfoods as a major protein source for many Asian populations, whereas, Western diets consume protein from high-fat, cholesterol-containing, animal-based sources. This finding has led many researchers to investigate the relationship between consumption of soy protein and lower incidence of certain diseases in Asian countries.

As the number of population, animal and clinical studies investigating soy protein steadily increases, the majority of the findings suggest increasing the amount of soy protein in the Western diet may provide certain health benefits.

Healthy Protein – A Crucial Component for Weight Management

As a low-fat, cholesterol-free source of high-quality protein, soy protein has received a lot of attention for its potential weight loss and weight management properties.

Studies suggest that protein may be helpful in controlling appetite, as well as helping people feel fuller for longer periods of time. And as a high-quality, nutritionally rich plant-based protein, soy protein is an ideal protein option for people trying to manage their weight.

The most important dietary method to manage weight or lose weight is to control or limit energy (calorie) intake. Controlling energy intake can be achieved with many strategies. One strategy is to include foods in the diet that help control hunger and enhance satiety (the feeling of being full). Scientific research indicates that meals higher in protein provide greater satiety and fullness than meals lower in protein (high in carbohydrates and/or fat). What is perhaps more important is the review also indicates that eating meals high in protein results in lower energy intake in subsequent meals compared to meals high in carbohydrates and fat.

According to some health organizations, weight-loss diets should contain plant-based protein such as soy protein. For example, soy protein-containing foods and beverages can help Americans achieve the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans, released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture. Designed to help challenge the country’s growing obesity epidemic, the updated guidelines advocate selecting lean sources of protein and eating foods that are higher in potassium, calcium, magnesium and other essential vitamins and nutrients, but lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Soy protein-containing foods and beverages can help Americans meet these dietary goals. Soy protein, unlike other sources of protein, is not only low in fat, but is also cholesterol free. Scientific research also indicates that protein provides greater satiety than fat or carbohydrates which can certainly aid in weight management issues.
In addition, most soy protein-containing products on the market today, like 8th Continent® soymilk, are fortified with calcium and other essential vitamins and nutrients, many of which the guidelines say are sorely lacking in today’s diets.

Soy Protein and Glycemic Index

Additionally, being a high quality source of protein, soy protein has a low glycemic index (GI), and substituting soy protein for high-GI foods and beverages may help manage weight. Soy protein, in place of certain carbohydrates, can help lower the glycemic index (GI) of foods. A low GI-diet lowers blood sugar (blood glucose) and insulin responses, and may result in loss of body fat. A recent review of low-GI studies indicates that a low-GI diet may result in lower calorie intake and reduced appetite, which also aids in weight loss and weight management.

Soy Protein is a great addition to your Low-Carbohydrate Diet

Higher-protein, lower-carbohydrate diets have become very popular, however a few health concerns about these diets have been raised. One concern is the effect of large intakes of animal protein on kidney health – especially in those at risk of kidney disease (such as people with type-2 diabetes).
In addition to helping manage weight, eating a diet rich in soy protein may provide additional important health benefits, such as lowering the risk of heart disease and certain cancers.

Soy Protein is good for your heart!

Numerous studies show eating a diet rich in soy protein has several heart health benefits. The body of evidence is so significant (more than 50 independent studies) that the Food and Drug Administration authorized a health claim stating, “25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease.” The United Kingdom’s Joint Health Claims Initiative also approved a similar health claim in 2002 as have regulatory authorizes in may other countries throughout the world.
In addition, four separate meta-analyses (an overall analysis of several related studies) representing more than 80 studies, demonstrate soy consumption helps lower cholesterol ¬– an important factor in maintaining heart health.
Additional research indicates that consuming soy protein also may benefit the heart beyond lowering cholesterol including promoting arterial health and reducing blood pressure. By strengthening the arteries and lowering blood pressure, the heart is able to work under less stress and can therefore increase the chances of a longer period of peak activity.

Soy protein is a healthy choice for kids

Childhood nutrition is a hot issue with many of today’s moms and dads. Many states, such as Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona and California, are considering banning the sale of junk food in their school systems. With more than 55 million students attending public and private elementary schools in the U.S., the legislative discussions in those states and the insights offered by the USDA's new food pyramid are helping the public become more aware of the growing problem of addressing childhood nutrition.

Health experts agree that a combination of exercise and better diet is the answer. Also, the new food pyramid and medical research show one fact that can’t be ignored – incorporating soy protein in a child's diet is a healthy choice. Research studies demonstrate that soy protein, like other sources of protein, helps support growth and development.

And while some states are considering banning junk food from schools, many school food service programs throughout the country have recognized the need to provide a more healthy school diet and have begun incorporating soy-based foods as regular cafeteria menu items. In fact, the New York City School District recently began providing soy-based menu alternatives to its one million students.

Protein Power

Even among other legumes, the soybean stands apart. Both mature and green soybeans are often considered protein powerhouses. Just compare the grams of protein in one-half cup of green or mature soybeans to the same size serving of several familiar plant foods, including other legumes like pinto, lima, and kidney beans, blackeyed peas, and English peas.

Values are from food composition tables from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Not only does the soybean contain more protein than other plants, the protein it contains is of higher quality. Plus, the soybean is the only plant source of protein considered a complete protein, meaning that it not only provides all the essential amino acids your body must get from food, but these essential amino acids are also in the right balance to meet human needs.