Soy protein comes from soybean, a popular cooking ingredient. Soy concentrate is the supplement form of soy protein and it is widely known for its use in plant-based meat substitutes such as tofu. It contains a number of beneficial substances that naturally help rebuild the muscles and possibly improve overall general health. People who are allergic to dairy can also turn to soy protein as a substitute.
There are several benefits and few side effects to taking soy protein powder. There is, however, no medical evidence proving that the supplement can cure or effectively treat any disease, so you should consult a doctor before taking the supplement.
Have you been looking for a plant-based supplement to meet your needs? Whether you’re looking to start a vegetarian lifestyle or simply indulge in its benefits, soy protein could be the right supplement for you.
What is Soy Protein?
Soy protein comes from soybeans, a high-protein pea that manufacturers convert into soybean powder to use in protein shakes or other types of food (x). The protein is created from a soybean after its seeds are removed and then it’s ground down into soy protein for consumption.
Because it is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, many people use it for its nutritional benefits. Those looking to live more of a plant-based lifestyle can turn to soy protein for their source of protein. Soybeans are present in several different dairy and meat alternatives. In supplement form, soy protein is great for vegetarians, vegans, people who suffer from dairy allergies or people looking to change their overall health regime.
What Foods Have Soy Protein?
You can also consider changing your daily diet to incorporate more foods rich in soy protein. These foods may help the body manage cholesterol and blood pressure. Foods that contain soy protein include:
- Edamame
- Miso
- Soymilk
- Soy nuts
- Soy sauce
- Tempeh
- Tofu
- Soybeans
How Much Protein is in Soy?
Studies have found that the protein content in soybeans varies between 36% and 46% (x). The same study stated that soy is the only plant protein with high quality proteins in it. This is important for building muscle and inducing a healthier lifestyle overall.
Is Soy a Complete Protein?
We reached out to a certified nutritionist, Lisa Richards, creator of The Candida Diet. Richards states that “protein is made from amino acids,” including a category called essential amino acids that the body cannot make by itself, “which makes it necessary to take them through the diet.” The rest are non-essential, meaning the body makes them naturally.
According to Richards, “animal sources of protein contain all nine essential amino acids, but most plant-based sources do not. Those plant-based proteins that do contain all nine essential amino acids are called complete proteins. There are ways to take in all essential amino acids through plant-based foods [in] certain combinations. Of the few plant sources of protein, soy is a complete protein.”
Soy contains all of the essential following amino acids (x):
- Histidine
- Isoleucine
- Leucine
- Lysine
- Methionine
- Phenylalanine
- Threonine
- Tryptophan
- Valine
What Does Soy Protein Powder Do in the Body?
You’ve heard all of the background information on soy protein and what it consists of, but what can it do for you? How can it help you lead a healthier lifestyle overall? Soy protein may improve diet, benefit cardiovascular health and help build muscle (x). It may also provide a variety of food options, as it is present in several foods many consume in their daily diets. Soy protein may help build and repair muscle tissue and make enzymes and hormones, as well as build bones, muscles, skin, cartilage and blood. Here are some ways soy protein benefits the body and how it could be useful in your health journey.
Muscle Building
Soy protein is a complete protein and provides the body with all essential amino acids. Several studies suggest that soy protein may help promote fat loss while preserving muscle mass. In one study comparing the benefits of soy protein versus casein protein, supplementing soy protein for 30 days may have helped significantly increase skeletal muscle volume in participants who engaged in less physical activity (x). Soy protein also contains the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, isoleucine and valine, which are very important amino acids for muscle building.
Cardiovascular Health
Studies suggest that soy protein may help reduce high cholesterol and manage other risk factors for cardiovascular disease (x). Soy protein is low in saturated fat, which can help reduce the risk of high cholesterol. While studies suggest that soy protein may reduce the risk, there aren’t any studies that confirm its ability to benefit heart health more effectively than other types of protein.
Vitamin & Mineral Content
Soy protein contains essential nutrients, which may help you maintain your overall health. It can contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals including (x):
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- B vitamins
- Antioxidants
- Zinc
- Iron
- Vitamin D
- Calcium
Other Benefits
Soy protein may also help with galactosemia, a condition that causes patients to have trouble digesting the sugar galactose in the body. According to research, children and adults may be able to use soy protein to maintain healthy nutrition (x). Soy protein could potentially help alleviate or prevent symptoms relating to diabetes, high blood pressure, diarrhea and other digestive symptoms, osteoporosis and irritable bowel syndrome thanks to its nutrient content and possible ability to help maintain heart health and muscle mass.
Why Choose Soy Protein?
Soy Protein vs. Pea Protein
Soy protein is an alternative option to pea protein, but because pea protein’s amino acid profile isn’t complete, those using the supplement would have to get additional amino acids from other sources (i.e. food or supplements). Pea protein is great for building muscle and it may be an effective alternative to people who suffer from soy allergies. Pea protein may significantly affect muscle building, while soy protein may help in muscle recovery.
Soy Protein vs. Whey Protein
Whey protein is made from cow’s milk, which creates a troubling barrier for those who are lactose intolerant as well as those who lead a vegan or dairy-free lifestyle. Both soy and whey proteins are “complete” proteins, meaning they both contain all nine essential amino acids but they use those essential amino acids differently. Soy protein has a higher absorption rate than whey protein and is 100% plant-based. Both have very high absorption rates but they differ in their concentrations.
How to Take Soy Protein Powder
Soy protein isolate powder is a complete protein isolated from soybeans. Soy protein isolate powder is rich in BCAAs and may provide a number of health benefits, especially in regards to muscle strength and recovery.
If you are adding soy protein to your health regime as a dietary supplement, the recommended serving size is 15 to 30 grams per day. Individual needs may vary so be sure to consult a physician before adding the supplement to your diet to make sure it’s the right supplement for you.
Possible Side Effects of Soy Protein Powder
Most foods with soy protein or products containing soy protein are fairly safe. Soy extract supplements may be safer in short-term use, no more than six months. Taking the supplement may have a negative effect on pre-existing medical conditions and diseases, so be sure to consult a physician to make sure this supplement fits your individual needs.
If you have milk allergies, you may also likely have soy allergies and if you have asthma you may have soy allergies as well. Make sure to see a doctor before taking this supplement. While taking soy protein powder, you may experience the following side effects:
- Constipation
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Rash & itching
- Fatigue
- Interference with thyroid function
- Allergies
Other Important Warnings
Additionally, soy products can also increase the risk of kidney stones in patients with existing kidney damage because of the amount of oxalate in them, which is a component of kidney stones. People who have kidney problems will have trouble digesting the components in soy and if the body can’t digest them, the body stores them unnaturally and it can cause serious health complications (x, x). There are also a large amount of phytoestrogens in soy protein, and when taken in large doses, can be extremely toxic and life threatening. High levels of the substance could lead to kidney failure (x, x).
Research also states that long-term use of soy proteins with soy isoflavone may potentially increase the risk of developing precancerous changes along the uterus lining (x). Patients who suffer from cystic fibrosis may also have difficulties processing pea protein isolate powder (x, x).
Do not take soy protein isolate powder if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. The supplement may pose a risk to the pregnancy so make sure to consult a doctor before adding it to your diet.
Where to Buy Soy Protein Powder
You can purchase soy protein isolate powder today at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements. BulkSupplements.com is not just a consumer brand. It also supplies pure ingredients to other brands that distribute other food and supplement products. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices.
Are you interested in trying soy protein powder as an alternative plant-based protein? Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Bottom Line
Soy protein powder is a dietary supplement used to build muscle mass, support cardiovascular health and help those looking to lead healthier overall lifestyles. Soy protein is 100% plant-based, which means it can provide benefits to vegans and non-vegans alike. If you are looking to make a lifestyle change that begins with consuming more natural, plant-based substances, soy protein isolate powder may be the right supplement for you.
Overall, pea protein supplements are rich in amino acids that can help the body build muscle and maintain overall health. Taking the supplements could have lasting effects on your day-to-day health. Consult a doctor to see if this plant-based supplement is the right one for you. Individual needs vary so it’s important to understand where your health stands in order to determine how the supplement can help you reach your health and wellness goals.
** These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
By: Mia Sims