Soy in the Diet
Soyfoods can play an important part in a healthy, well-balanced diet to nourish the body with high-quality protein similar to animal protein but low in saturated fat and cholesterol free. Studies confirm that soyfoods boost health at all ages! Whether your clients are interested in being more heart healthy, wanting to lose weight, or seeking healthful snacks, soyfoods can fit into every lifestyle.
Make sure you know the scientific facts before talking to your clients and patients.
The USDA recognizes the important role that soyfoods play in the diet for many health-conscious and culturally sensitive individuals.
Clearing Up Confusions Over Soy
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics SCAN DPG released a fact sheet with some facts about soy to share with your clients. Download it here.
Latest Research
Here are some of the most-requested articles on trending topics:
- “The Role of Soy in the Performance of Active and Athletic Americans”; SCANNERS; update July 2014; Connie Diekman, M.Ed, RD, FADA and Stephanie Saullo, MS, RD
- “It’s Time for Clinicians to Reconsider Their Proscription Against the Use of Soyfoods”; Oncology; May 2013; Mark Messina, PHD, MS et al
- “Developmental Status of 1 Year Old Infants Fed Breast Milk, Cow’s Milk Formula, or Soy Formula”; Pediatrics; May 2012; Andres A, Cleves MA, Bellando JB, Pivik RT, Casey PH, Badger TM
For summaries of the latest research articles, click here.
Soy Facts: Illustrated Infographics
Breast Cancer- Women’s Health, including heart disease, weight loss, cencer, osteoporosis and menopause symptoms
- Men’s Health, including Prostate Cancer, muscle recovery and heart health
- Muscle strength, recovery, and building
- Package Labeling
- Soymilk
- Allergens
- Phytoestrogens
- Thyroid Function
These “snackable” infographic two-sided cards are available for dietitians, healthcare professionals, sports and fitness trainers, and others upon request.
Key Facts to Know
- Phytoestrogens—isoflavones in soy and other plants—possess antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. They are the source of much past confusion over soy safety; however, research confirms their safety in humans. Phytoestrogens are structurally similar to estrogens, but act differently and are much weaker.(i,ii)
- Soy is beneficial for athletic performance and muscle recovery, and is rich in antioxidant compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress associated with exercise. Soy protein provides an “intermediate” rate of amino acid release, and when combined with other proteins, such as whey and casein, offers a sustained delivery of amino acids to muscles.(iii) Learn more in this SCANNERS article, The Role of Soy in the Performance of Active and Athletic Americans.
- Studies show moderate intake of two to three servings of soyfoods a day are safe. A serving is: 1 cup soymilk or cultured soymilk “yogurt”; 1/2 cup cooked soybeans, edamame, tempeh or tofu; 1/3 cup soynuts; a soy-rich nutrition bar; or a veggie burger.(iv)
Help your clients reach their nutrition goals by including high-quality soy protein throughout the day with the Simply Soyfoods Quick and Easy Recipes booklet or with hundreds of fun recipe ideas on Pinterest.
References
i Sacks F, Lichtenstein A, Van Horn L, Harris W, Kris-Etherton P, Winston M, AHA Science Advisory: Soy Protein, Isoflavones, and Cardiovascular Health.
ii USDA. Soy Phytochemicals: Chemistry, Analysis, Processing and Health Impacts http://www.reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0194030-soy-phytochemicals-chemistry-analysis-processing-and-health-impacts.html
iii Reidy PT, Walker DK, Dickinson JM, et al. Protein Blend Ingestion Following Resistance Exercise Promotes Human Muscle Protein Synthesis. J Nutr. 2013;143: 410-416.
iv AICR Foods that Fight Cancer, Soy, http://www.aicr.org/foods-that-fight-cancer/soy.html, Accessed July 10, 2014.
Protein Quality Comparisons
What do four-time Mr. Universe Bill Pearl, triathlete Brendan Brazier and Ultimate Fighting Champion Mac Danzig have in common? Supreme muscular development for sure, but surprisingly these three top athletes follow vegetarian or vegan diets, as do a number of other top athletes around the world.
