WEIGHT LOSS ARTICLESI’m madder than hell about soybeans!
Soy protein is emerging as one of the great alternative protein sources for human consumption. Health experts are all excited about how soy protein can change the face of nutrition. What's all the rage? Here are some great reasons to get with soy protein.
Soy Protein is Plant Protein
Soy beans contain complete protein and have one of the best protein digestibilities among all protein sources. Soy beans also contain little or no fat and have virtually no cholesterol. Lactose intolerant ones will be pleased to know that soy beans contain no lactose.
Being a plant protein, soy is free from steroids and antibiotics animal protein contains. It is also free from the parasites that contaminate some of these products. They also contain none of the diseases one can contract from mean sources such as Mad Cow Disease, and Foot and Mouth Disease.
Vegetarians love this bean as it provides a comparable - if not better - source of protein as compared to its animal counterpart. It provides a protein that is better and easier to digest and is comparable to most protein supplements.
Soy Beans are Very Versatile
Soy beans are very versatile. Various cuisines, especially Asian ones recognize the value of the humble soy bean. 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.
To counter the problem of world hunger, the growing of soybeans has been suggested. Not only are soybeans easy to grow and harvest, they will grow pretty much anywhere and produces much in a little time. There have been farmers reported to have replaced their entire crop line with soy bean plants. These hardy little plants produce much per harvest, and, as said earlier, can grow in even the most trying terrain.
The Great Substitute
Soy is low in fat and can be used to substitute most protein sources. When cooking, you may use soy substitutes instead of flour for a low fat alternative. This makes it a great protein source for those that are looking to lose weight without compromising their protein requirements.
Bodybuilders are considering how this can make their jobs a lot easier. Without the fat and with all the protein goodness - easily digestible at that - bodybuilding has just received a great blessing of a food.
Although these bodybuilders are currently debating how soy can be a help to bodybuilders, it doesn't take away anything from what soy can contribute to the overall health of a person.
It is very advisable to stick to natural protein rather than processes protein if possible, as processed foods typically have some risk attached to them. The best use of this food can be attributed to how it perfectly fits into anyone's low-fat, high-protein diet.
Soy products can be incorporated into shakes and drinks. And being lactose-free, lactose intolerant people will still be able to get their milkshake fix without having to suffer so.
Soy products are also a great source of other nutrients such as saponins, isoflavones, and phytosterol. Saponins help support a healthy immune system. It also combines with cholesterol to avoid increased absorption of cholesterol in the body. Phytosterols also help reduce the absorption of cholesterol in the body in the same way saponins do.
Isoflavones are powerful antioxidants and prevent the effects of free radicals in the body. They prevent many of the signs of aging and have been known to help prevent cancer. This alone makes soy a miracle protein source in its own right.
Isoflavones, along with vitamins A,C, and E are among the front liners in the fight against such disease - they also counter the effects of pollution, and stress.
How Much is Too Much
Unlike other protein sources, it is pretty safe to consume a wide amount of soy products. While allergies to soy products exist, cases are few and far between. When changing to a soy diet, however, it would be best to consult your physician or your nutritionist. Ask specifically if the soy interferes with any prescription drugs you are taking.
Soy can be great blessing for people who are looking for a great source of protein that does not entail the side effects of most of the other sources. It would be advisable for one to explore how it can improve one's diet.
Weight Loss Secret: Eating Eggs
More studies support the growing body of research on the nutritional benefit of egg consumption including that eggs promote weight loss and aid brain and memory function.
A randomized study at Louisiana State University found that overweight and obese women who consumed a breakfast of 2 eggs a day for 5 or more days a week for 8 weeks, lost 65% more weight, had an 83% greater reduction in waist circumference and reported greater improvements in energy levels that the women who consumed a bagel breakfast with the same number of calories.
This confirmed a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, which found an egg breakfast induced greater satiety and significantly reduced short-term food intake compared to a calorically equivalent bagel breakfast. (both breakfasts contained the same calories and same weight mass) There was no significant difference between total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride levels.
Eggs contain choline, which is an important and essential nutrient needed for normal functioning of all cells especially brain cells. Choline is also critical for brain and memory development in fetuses. Iowa State University recently assessed choline intake and found all Americans are deficient in choline, particularly pregnant women. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 425-550 mg choline per day for most adults.
2 eggs = 250mg choline or 50% of our daily requirement
3 oz. beef liver = 355mg
1 c brussels sprouts = 63mg
3 oz. salmon = 56
3 oz. cod = 71mg
1 c broccoli = 62mg
2 T wheat germ = 22mg
For the past 30 years eggs were thought to increase heart disease by raising blood cholesterol levels. Now it turns out eggs don’t raise cholesterol in most people and actually provide many important nutrients including good quality protein, folate, vitamin D, choline, zinc, iron, lutein and zeaxanthin that benefit our health.
Look at the benefits of eating eggs:
-Improve immune function
-Keep eyes healthy
-Lower cancer risk
-Lower heart disease risk
-Reduce osteoporosis
Eggs are versatile, economical and nutritious. They contribute many important nutrients to the diet: protein, iron, zinc, choline, lutein, zeaxanthin, folate and vitamin D. Eggs contain the highest biological value protein of any food. Iron and zinc are important for a healthy immune system, while choline is needed for brain development and memory. Lutein & zeaxanthin are carotenoids that prevent macular degeneration & atherosclerosis. Folate lowers homocysteine, heart disease & cancer risk and vitamin D is needed to utilize calcium. A problem with egg consumption is the risk of salmonella poisoning. If eggs are handled & cooked properly, the bacteria are killed and the disease avoided.
Much of the early egg research was flawed, and researchers found no evidence of a significant association between egg consumption and the risk of heart disease or stroke in men or women. In fact, the American Heart Association published 2 studies showing healthy men and women could eat 2 eggs a day while on a low fat diet without significantly raising blood cholesterol levels or their risk of heart disease.
So what happen when soy meets egg? We bet you have the answer in your health today.