5 reasons Why Soy Products are a Great Addition To your Diet

The onset of covid 19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the intake of soy products, with many people looking for healthy diets to lower the risk factors associated with the infection. The vast consumption of these plant-based proteins has reduced the supply of soy products globally. However, US farmers and other partners are searching for innovative ways to discover and deliver solutions to the shortage while supporting and creating a sustainable environment.

Today, soy products have gained significant popularity as a valuable addition to every diet. Derived from soybean, these products have a plethora of health benefits. Soy products have essential nutrients that reduce the risk of cancer infection, chronic illness, heart diseases, and hypertension.

According to research, soy products are widely used as alternative substitutes for red and processed meat. In the United States, most people following vegetarian and vegan diets opt for soy products with complete protein content.

While embracing soy products can enhance your overall well-being, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional or nutritionist before significantly changing your diet.

This article will discuss five compelling reasons why soy products are great additions to your diet, highlighting their potential health benefits and exceptional nutritional value.

1. Good For Environmental Sustainability

Soy products have experienced massive growth over the past years. Its market projection is estimated to grow to approximately 15.6 billion by 2026. With global human consumption for soy standing at 7%, the U.S

Soy farmers and industry partners are radically looking for sustainable farming of innovative soy products such as soybean oil, soy flour, and textured soy protein to address food and energy needs while maintaining a sustainable environment. They are using the latest bioengineering and seed technology to safely increase productivity.

Soy production requires smaller land and energy resources compared to livestock farming. Additionally, soy production emits lower greenhouse gases and mitigates deforestation activities. Therefore, adding soy products to your diet supports sustainable agricultural practices while contributing healthy lifestyle.

2. Offer High Nutritional Value

There are many protein-rich foods in stores, but soy has drawn the attention of many people worldwide. Soy products have excellent nutrition profiles that make them valuable to every diet. Compared to other plant-based proteins, soy products are considered complete proteins since they contain all essential amino acids for optimal body functioning.

Having one of the soy products in your diet ensures a sufficient intake of quality protein. If you are a vegetarian or vegan or want to reduce your meat diet, soy products are an excellent alternative choice since protein value is comparable to animal protein.

Besides protein and amino acids, soy products are rich in vitamin K, fiber, calcium, and unsaturated fats, enhancing good health and optimal nutrition. Therefore, incorporating soy products into your diet will provide various nutrients that promote the body’s overall well-being.

3. Supports Healthy Heart and Reduces Cardiovascular Ailments

Consuming soy products can contribute significantly to a healthy heart and reduces the risk of contracting other cardiovascular and chronic infections. Compared to animal protein, soy products reduce cholesterol levels in the body. Sterol compound inhibits active cholesterol absorption by blocking absorption spots, thus lowering the formation of extra cholesterols.

On the other side, soy products contain unsaturated fats, such as omega 6 and omega 3, which can benefit the heart since they are cholesterol-free. Therefore, incorporating soy products in your diet can help you maintain desirable cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of getting hypertension and cardiovascular ailments.

Consider including soy products in your diet if you have a heart condition. It will go a long way in reducing the cholesterol amount in your body.

4. Maintains Healthy Bones

Regular intake of soy products has had a positive effect on hormone balance, especially in aging adults. Soy products contain minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorous crucial in forming and maintaining healthy bones.

During menopause, women tend to lose substantial bone mass due to declining estrogen levels. Incorporating soy products into the diet will go a long way to building and maintaining bone density as you continue aging. Particularly, calcium will help the body in forming and strengthening new bones. Therefore, introducing soy products to the diet at an early promotes skeletal strength and reduces the risks of fractures.

5. Hormonal Balance

Soy products contain plant-based estrogens known as phytoestrogen that act as estrogen hormones in women’s bodies. These phytoestrogen compounds interact with estrogen receptors to regulate their activity, hence contributing to hormone balance. Since menopause occurs when estrogen levels in women reduce, incorporating soy products in the diet will help ease symptoms associated with menopause, such as night sweats, mood swings, and hot flashes.

A study has revealed that soy products can reduce the risk of hormone-related cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer. High oxidant levels in soy products prevent inflammation of cells by removing free radicals that cause tumors and cancer cells. Therefore, including soy products in your daily meals will help your body balance hormone levels, alleviating menopause symptoms and reducing cancer risks.

Conclusion

As the global population continues to increase each passing day, animal-based foods are on the rise. This means more land will be cleared for cultivation to curb the rising demand for animal feeds leading to deforestation and environmental degradation.

To mitigate these effects, turning to soy products and reducing animal product consumption, such as red meat and milk, will reduce soy-related environmental effects while gaining their health benefits.

Today, soy products are becoming excellent vitamin, mineral, and protein alternatives for many people embracing general wellness while creating a sustainable environment.

Looking at the health benefits and nutritional value, Soy-based products have undoubtedly proved to be a great addition to every diet. Therefore, ensure you incorporate soy products into your meal for fantastic benefits.