Why Vegetarians Love Soy
Forgive vegetarians for being a little smug these days. Studies have shown for a while that vegetarians have lower rates of high blood pressure, hypertension, heart disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, and a recent study now suggests that vegetarians are smarter too!
Soy is the only plant protein that is equivalent to animal protein. As a complete protein source, soy foods contain all nine essential amino acids. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group , beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, peas, whole grain bread, greens, potatoes, and corn are some other plant sources of protein, each containing some of the essential amino acids.
Soy foods offer vegetarians a wide selection of ways to enjoy their lifestyle. Tofu can serve as a substitute for chicken or other meats in just about every dish imaginable. For those seeking less saturated fat and cholesterol, but craving hamburgers, chicken nuggets, or ice cream, try soy meat alternatives, soy snacks, soy smoothies, and even soy dairy free frozen desserts. For vegans (those who avoid conventional dairy products), there is an array of dairy free products including soy cheese, soy yogurt and soymilk (soy milk).
Researchers continue to explore precisely which nutrients in plant foods and other healthy lifestyle habits of vegetarians contribute to these benefits, but many experts agree that a key component is the lower content of cholesterol, saturated fat and total fat in their diet. For non-vegetarians, fat and cholesterol come bundled in foods also high in protein, such as meat and high-fat dairy foods. Replacing animal-based sources of protein with plant-based foods such as soy foods helps meet the 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations from the American Heart Association.
