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Soy products are beneficial to cardiovascular and overall health because of their high content of protein, polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and biologically active compounds called phytochemicals. They also have a low content of saturated fat.1
Soy protein and isoflavones (phytoestrogens) have gained considerable attention for their potential role in promoting cardiovascular health. Clinical trials and animal studies showed that ingestion of soy proteins helps maintain healthy blood lipid profiles, including helping maintain triglyceride, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels already within normal range.2-4
The three major isoflavones found in soybeans are genistein, daidzein, and glycitein. Soy isoflavones exert both estrogenic and anti-estrogenic effects, depending on the tissue in which they are acting.5,6 They are structurally similar to 17-estradiol, a mammalian estrogen, and are thus called phytoestrogens. They also have non-hormonal effects, including signal transduction and antioxidant activity.7,8 Soy isoflavones may inhibit bone resorption and help stimulate bone formation,9 without the side effects of hormone replacement therapy.
Soy Protein Concentrate provides a very economical concentrated source of soy protein for those who wish to augment their food protein with this convenient supplement.
Diets low in saturated fat and cholesterol that include 25 grams of soy protein a day may reduce the risk of heart disease.24-28 One serving of Soy Protein Concentrate provides 17 grams of soy protein. |