|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

Soy Supplements

Soy has been a cornerstone of the Asian diet for nearly 5,000 years. This plant has recently made a big splash in the United States health food market. Research has shown that soy is high in protein and essential amino acids. Health benefits associated with this subtropical plant include a reduction in menopause effects, reduction in heart-disease risks, weight loss, and the ability to stave off symptoms of arthritis. With so many heath benefits, it should come as no surprise that soy supplements are now available in stores across the United States.

  1. Soy Protein Powder Supplements

    • Soy protein powder is soy protein isolate, which helps the body repair and build muscle mass. Soy protein powders, like all protein powders, are popular with athletes and bodybuilders who like to see the physical results of their strenuous training. Soy protein powder has other benefits that could be useful to the average person. A diet low in saturated fats that includes at least 25 grams of soy protein a day can lower the risk of heart disease. Soy protein powders are not known for being particularly tasty (a bean-like taste is common), but the powders come in a variety of flavors and can easily be mixed with milk, yogurt, and a variety of fruits for added health benefits.

    Soy Menopause Supplements

    • According to Healthcastle, women in Japan are one-third as likely to experience symptoms associated with menopause as their American and Canadian counterparts. Research correlates this with the high amount of soy in the Japanese diet. Soy menopause supplements use a mixture of soy extracts to prevent menopause's effects. The important distinction with soy supplements when compared to other menopause supplements or medicine is that soy actually prevents menopause effects, such as hot flashes and night sweats, instead of just alleviating them. The North American Menopause Society suggests a woman take between 40mg and 80mg of soy per day to prevent the effects of menopause.

    Soy Isoflavones Supplements

    • Isoflavones are one of the main reasons why soy has so many health benefits. Isoflavone has been determined to help prevent prostate cancer, breast cancer, protect against heart disease, and prevent the symptoms of osteoporosis. The isoflavones reduce cancer risks in humans because they have antioxidant properties (antioxidants fight against free radical DNA damage that causes cancer). In regards to preventing osteoporosis symptoms, isoflavones have been shown to actually promote bone growth and not just prevent bone loss.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles