Soy Protein

Below is a guest post from someone, and I thought I would share this, let me know your thoughts on this blog post

Being a vegetarian can be one of the best options of adapting to healthy life.  This is quite similar to a lifestyle containing meat-based products, however variety, balance, and moderation is key. A vegetarian is someone who avoids all types of meat, however there are different variants:  Lacto-ovo vegetarians avoids animal products but can eat eggs and other dairy products. Vegans avoids all trace of animal origin. The nutrient protein can be a hot topic involving vegans or vegetarians as this is mostly found in meat based products. Lacto-ovo vegetarians can consume dairy products as the nutrients contains an excellent source of protein.  Vegans can source this from nuts, seeds, and soy products.  Beans are also one of the best sources of protein, the choices are endless including green beans, red lentils, peanuts, split peas, pinto, soy and kidney beans. The great part about this are they can be incorporated into many popular dishes such as chilli, casseroles, stews, wraps, as well as curry dishes. Nuts are high in protein, although they contain more fat than beans, however they contain good fats, also by having one cup of cooked beans will provide the same amount of protein as eating two ounces of meat. For calcium, vegans can rely on orange juice or soy milk, as they are fortified with calcium.  Beans and leafy green vegetables will also contain some calcium as well. Although all types of vegetarians rely on simple food groups, controlling vitamin and calcium intake is important for a healthy lifestyle. One of the items for example which can be consumed for both vegetarians and vegans are Soy Protein.

Soy protein is emerging as one of the great alternative protein sources for human consumption, here are the reasons:

• Soy beans contain complete protein and can easily be digested among all protein sources. Soy beans also contain little or no fat and have virtually no cholesterol. Groups who are diagnosed as  lactose intolerant can consume these as soy beans contain no lactose.
• Great for vegetarians- it is a great source of protein compared to its animal counterpart, and  provides a protein that is better and easier to digest.
• Versatility - Soy beans are very versatile and can be added to various meals.  A variety of naturally yummy delicacies are all soy based: tofu, soy pudding, Soya milk, and meat substitutes – not to mention condiments such as soy sauce, and hoi sin sauce.
• Easy for growing-  soybeans easy to grow and harvest, they will grow pretty much anywhere and can be produced in such little time.

 

• Low in fat- Soy is low in fat and can be used to substitute most protein sources. During the cooking process soy can be used instead of flour for a low fat alternative. This can make a great protein source for those that are looking to lose weight without compromising their protein requirements.

 

• Nutrients- Soy are also a great source of other nutrients such as saponins, isoflavones, and phytosterol. Saponins help support a healthy immune system, combined with cholesterol, they help to increase the absorption of cholesterol in the body. Phytosterols also helps to reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body in the same way saponins do. Isoflavones are powerful antioxidants which prevents the effects of free radicals in the body, which helps prevents the signs of aging.

Finally below are a list of foods which are beneficial for both vegans and vegetarians:

• Apricots- they contain Beta-carotene which helps to prevent radical damage and helps to protect the eyes.  A single apricot contains 17 calories, 0 fat, and one gram of fibre.

 

• Mango- has a great source of vitamin C, This antioxidant helps boosts the immune system. 

 

• Cantaloupe- Another great source of vitamin C, and also contains potassium, which can help to lower blood pressure.