Soy Protein

Soy protein is extracted from the soy bean. The soy bean is among the very few plants that provide a complete protein source. Soy beans contain the essential amino acids that form what is known as a complete protein. Since the body cannot synthesize essential amino acids, they must be obtained from food. Some of these amino acids are: lysine, tryptophan, leucine, phenylalanine, methionine, histidine, isoleucine, threinine, and valine.

Soy foods have become more widely available in the Western culture at the very time extensive research has confirmed that we need to consume less fat and more fiber. In addition, while protein intake is essential because we require amino acids and nitrogen, most people in Western counties consume more than is needed to build and maintain health. The standard established by the National Research Council serves as a guide. We need about half a gram of protein per kilogram (2.2 pounds) of ideal bodyweight. Proteins vary in quality and as a precaution 0.8grams serves as a guideline to ensure adequate protein consumption. This means that a woman whose ideal weight is 140 pounds needs to consume about 51 grams of protein a day.

The harmful consequences of basing a diet on animal protein come from the fact that these foods are relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol, and they contain no fiber at all. Thus the Western diet is relatively low in fiber when compared to a typical vegetarian diet, which relies on grains, beans, legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts to supply protein and fiber in the diet. Because the soy bean provides high-quality protein and is relatively low in fat content and includes generous amounts of many vitamins and minerals and in many of its consumable forms, contains fiber, all contribute toward making the soy bean special and important to our health.

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