Should You Eat Soy?
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Soy has gained popularity for its many health benefits. As its appeal increases, so does the controversy surrounding the consumption of soy, leaving people feeling unsure whether or not to include it in their daily diet. While there are undeniable health benefits, there are also real risks for certain people. Depending on gender and age, it has the potential to negatively impact the body, especially when it is consumed in high quantities. While some experts have renounced soy completely, others have considered it to retain positive benefits for certain individuals.
When exploring the benefits of soy, it is important to note that soy contains all of the amino acids needed by the human body, making it a complete protein. Some people are able to include soy in their diet as a protein source. Soy also has cholesterol lowering properties, making it beneficial for heart health.
In addition, soy provides the body with high levels of calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids. Soy is considered to be high in iron and an excellent replacement or substitute for red meat. Research has shown that the iron that soy provides is highly absorbable by the human body and can help to fight iron deficiency.
The role of soy in heart health stems from the fact that it has cholesterol-lowering properties as well as a balancing effect on blood pressure. Soy can also offer positive benefits for heart health by including it in your diet as another protein source while limiting animal products that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol. Another reason soy is popular for heart health is that it not only reduces bad cholesterol but also increases good cholesterol in the body. Additionally, research has shown that soy lowers blood pressure in postmenopausal women.
Soy contains many phytochemical compounds, like Isoflavone, that positively impact the human body. Isoflavone provides antioxidants and boosts the immune system. Some consider soy to be a beneficial addition to the diet of those with multiple sclerosis because of its immune boosting qualities.
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