By Deneatra Harmon
Soy protein is a plant-based food that
comes from soybeans. The soybeans are crushed into powder form and
added to supplements, foods and beverages. First discovered more
than 3,000 years ago in China, soybeans arrived in the United
States by the 1700s. Soy protein acts as an alternative to animal
proteins such as beef, pork, poultry and eggs. Because of this, soy
protein is a popular food source among vegetarians.
2. How Does a Soybean Garden Grow?
Soybean
seeds are planted during the spring when the soil temperature
reaches 55 to 60 degrees. To ensure a healthy crop, use a fertile,
well-drained soil. Plant the seeds no more than two inches deep
into the soil. Wait for the soybeans to grow to maturity within
three to five months after planting.
3. Get Your Soy Protein Here
Soy protein is
widely used in Asian dishes such as tempeh, miso soup, soy sauce
and tofu. Other popular soy products include milk, cheese, yogurt,
soy nuts or soy butter. Cereal, oatmeal, chips, protein bars,
smoothies and baked goods with soy flour are also good sources of
soy protein. You can even find soy sausage, burgers and hot dogs in
your local grocery store. While soy protein is more common in food,
it's also found in animal feed, pet food, biodiesel fuel,
candles and soaps.
4. Soy Does a Body Good
Adding soy protein to
an already healthful diet of fruits, vegetables and grains can
improve heart health and lower blood pressure. Much like animal
protein, soy contains the amino acids the body needs to help build
protein. The difference between the two is soy is lower in
saturated fat. Eating soy protein also lowers cholesterol, and
decreases the chance of developing breast and prostate cancer and
osteoporosis. Soy also alleviates symptoms associated with
menopause, such as hot flashes. The nutrients of soy protein have
even contributed to weight loss, therefore reducing the chance or
developing diabetes. It contains complex carbohydrates, omega-3
fatty acids, calcium, folate and iron.
5. Choose Soy Sources Wisely
Consume your soy
protein through food and drink rather than taking a powder or pill
supplement. The supplements available in health food stores may not
provide the full recommended dose of soy or amino acids that you
need. The FDA recommends eating at least 25 grams of soy per day.
You should slowly allow soy protein into your diet, since it is
easy to reach the 25-gram limit. For example, a soy burger gives
you nearly 12 grams of protein, and a 4-ounce serving of tofu can
yield up to 13 grams. Eating a cup of roasted soy nuts gives you
nearly 20 grams of soy protein, so you have plenty of options for
getting your daily intake.
5 Things You Need to Know About Soy
Protein originally published on
LIVESTRONG.COM
LIVESTRONG.COM is designed to inspire people
to change their lives, help themselves and help others. For more on
this topic, visit http://www.LIVESTRONG.com.
Related Articles on
LIVESTRONG.COM
Soy Protein vs. Whey
Protein
What Are the Health Benefits of Soy
Beans?
Video: Healthy Food Choices -- Soy
Products
