Why Eat Soy?

Soy. It’s become a pretty common food over the last ten years or so. What’s not as common is the knowledge of why it’s so good for you. Lots of folks passing through their local coffee shop order a soy latte because it tastes good. Others have noticed the white stuff in their Chinese food, even if they don’t actually know that it’s tofu. The truth is that soy offers many significant health benefits, from a decreased risk of heart disease, to prevention of many cancers. It even brings relief from menopausal symptoms. Soy will also aid a body’s fight against kidney disease and osteoporosis, offers immune system support, and gives you increased energy. That’s one amazing soybean.

How does soy do all of this? The power behind (or in this case inside) the bean is something called isoflavones, which are a group of estrogens from plants. Two specific isoflavones (genestin and dadizen) are responsible for the soybean’s amazing health benefits. Soy is also one of the only plant foods with a perfect balance of the eight essential amino acids universally recognized by the medical community. In 1999 the Food and Drug Administration recommended a diet with a low intake of saturated fat and at least 25 grams of soy protein to lower cholesterol and help prevent heart disease.

There are many compelling reasons to add soy to our diet and several ways you can eat or drink soy. Soy milk has become especially popular among the lactose-intolerant, as a healthy (and tasty) milk alternative. One of the best ways to drink soy is with Energizing Soy Protein, from Shaklee, the leading nutritional company in the United States. Energizing Soy Protein offers a biologically complete source of protein that contains the naturally occurring soy isoflavones and amino acids, along with calcium for amazing energy. The great thing about Shaklee’s soy drink is that they use soybeans that are pure and natural – not genetically altered.

Since soy is so beneficial for you, go ahead and order that soy-milk latte – not to be trendy but to be health-smart. Snack on soybeans, stir-fry with tamari, and you can even add soy protein mix to cooking and baking for uber muffins and casseroles. There are many terrific options for adding soy to your family’s diet. Soy foods and drinks tastes good and you’ll feel great –courtesy of that perfect little bean.