If you are vegetarian or vegan, chances are high that you have considered using soy protein powder at some point. This has been the most popular vegetarian protein powder option for many years, even though there are some concerns surfacing over genetically-modified soybeans and other health risks that may come with soy products.
If you want to use soy, you can find products that do not contain any genetically-modified organisms, also known as GMO. Some of the best soy protein powders reveal where the source of soybeans comes from so that you can determine the overall quality of the product you are consuming. There are many soy protein benefits that outweigh the concerns as long as you do your research and select on the highest-quality products on the market today.
Complete Essential Amino Acid Profile
Essential amino acids are not created naturally within the human body, so you must consume them through your daily diet and your health supplements. Whey and casein protein supplements are rich sources of all essential amino acids needed for excellent health and well being, but many protein powders sourced from plant proteins lack these amino acids. Soy is one of the few exceptions.
Soy protein powders will offer all of the essential amino acids that your body needs to support tired muscles and restore protein to your muscles after intense workouts. This essentially means that soy is a complete protein that offers maximum protection and nourishment to your muscles and joints. You will struggle to find any other vegetarian or vegan protein powder that can offer a complete profile of essential amino acids.
Improved Cholesterol Levels
This is one of the best soy protein powder benefits for older women concerned about maintaining a healthy balance between the “good” and “bad” cholesterol types. Younger women may also benefit by reducing their chances of experiencing high cholesterol levels when they get older, or even at premature ages. Studies are showing that sow products can help manage cholesterol levels for men and women when consumed on a regular basis.
After-Workout Goodness
If you are searching for a vegetarian or vegan alternative to whey protein powders to use as an after-workout supplement, soy is probably your best option. Studies have shown that soy products help muscles recover from intense workouts, allowing you to get back to your workouts stronger than ever. This is what whey protein shakes are often used for, but soy is an alternative for those unable or unwilling to consume whey.
Feel Better In Menopause
Women suffering from the many uncomfortable side effects of menopause often find relief when they consume soy products on a routine basis. This is likely a result of isoflavones, which closely resemble estrogen hormones naturally produced in the human body. This doesn’t mean that you can forego hormone replacement therapy or other menopause treatments in favor of soy protein shakes. This is just one of the many soy protein powder benefits that women should consider before selecting a protein powder.
Healthy Snacks and Meal Alternatives
Soy protein powder offers a variety of nutrients that the body needs to function properly. Shakes made from these powders can also help maintain a full stomach between meals, especially when you are forced to go long periods of time without healthy food options. When you need a quick snack that won’t hold you back from accomplishing your health and fitness goals, a shaker cup and a scoop or two of soy protein powder may be all you need.
Soy protein powders can also be used as foundations for homemade meal replacements. You should add fresh fruits, vegetables, greens, seeds and other healthy ingredients to create a nutritious meal replacement shake. You can use this when you don’t have time to stop for a meal or you need to whip something up quick between appointments. These shakes are also great options for breakfast, especially if you include frozen fruits to create soy breakfast smoothies.
Is Soy Protein Powder Ideal for You?
There are some potential health concerns to keep in mind while considering these soy protein powder benefits. Think about your health and fitness goals and what you would like to get out of your chosen protein powder. Then consider all of these benefits and the potential concerns to ensure this is the right type of protein powder for your needs. There are many other vegetarian and vegan protein powders surfacing if you need to stay away from animal products but aren’t convinced that soy products are right for your body.