Soy is a plant food that’s been consumed in Asia for thousands of years. Its high protein content makes it an excellent meat alternative for vegetarians and vegans, but soy also has many health benefits even if you’re not trying to avoid meat. Here are 8 ways that eating soy can improve your health:
Diabetic-Friendly
Soybeans are an excellent source of protein, which is why they’re often used in vegetarian and vegan diets. But the benefits don’t stop there: Soybeans have a low glycemic index, so they won’t affect your blood sugar levels as much as other foods do. Their slow digestion also means that they’re less likely to cause sudden spikes in insulin production (which can lead to weight gain). Additionally, soy protein contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies need but don’t produce on their own; these include lysine (an essential amino acid), methionine and tryptophan–all three of which play important roles in helping us stay healthy!
Good Iron Absorption
Soy is a good source of iron, which is an essential mineral that helps your body make red blood cells. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness, as well as other symptoms like dizziness and headaches. Soybeans are also higher in vitamin C than other foods, making them a better option for getting your daily dose of this antioxidant than others like broccoli or spinach. Soybeans are high in protein (about 25 grams per cup), fiber (6 grams per cup), and antioxidants such as genistein–all things that help keep you healthy!
Improve Skin Health
Soy is high in vitamin E, which can help with skin health. Soy is also high in zinc, which helps with skin health. Soybeans are an excellent source of selenium, an antioxidant that’s important for the appearance of your skin and hair as well as overall health.
Reduces Risk of Kidney Disease
There are several different ways that soybeans can help reduce your risk of kidney disease. Firstly, soybeans contain isoflavones that help lower blood pressure. This is good news for anyone who suffers from high blood pressure because it means they may be able to lower their risk of developing kidney disease by eating more soy products. Besides this benefit, soybeans are also a good source of potassium and magnesium, both minerals that play an important role in keeping our kidneys healthy. In addition to these two nutrients being found in larger amounts than usual in soybeans (compared with other types of beans), there’s some evidence suggesting that the combination of these three elements–high levels of potassium and magnesium plus low levels of sodium–can actually help protect against certain types of damage done by salt over time.
Decrease Risk of Breast Cancer
So, how do soy isoflavones help to prevent breast cancer? Researchers are still learning about this topic, but they’ve found that soy may be able to:
- Reduce your risk of breast cancer by reducing levels of estrogen and progesterone in the body. These hormones can promote the growth and development of cancer cells.
- Prevent growth in existing tumors by blocking enzymes that cause them to grow larger or spread throughout the body (metastasize).
Decreases Risk of Prostate Cancer
Soy products contain isoflavones, which are phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are a form of estrogen that can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer by lowering the levels of testosterone in your body. Soybeans also contain protease inhibitors that can slow down the growth of cancer cells and prevent them from spreading throughout your body.
Improve Blood Flow
Soy contains isoflavones, which are plant compounds that act like estrogen in the body. These compounds are thought to improve blood flow, especially in the veins of the legs and pelvis. This can help prevent varicose veins and other circulatory problems.
Improve Heart Health
One of the most notable benefits of eating soy is that it can improve heart health, thanks to its high content of heart-healthy fatty acids and other nutrients. Soybeans are also a good source of protein and fiber, both of which can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce your risk for developing heart disease. The fat content in soybeans is low in saturated fat compared to meat or dairy products like cheese or milk–a fact that makes them better for your body overall!
If you’re interested in eating more soy, there are plenty of ways to do so. Soybeans are easy to find and make an excellent addition to any meal. You can also try tofu or edamame, which both have high amounts of protein and fiber but low amounts of fat compared with other types of meat like beef or pork. In addition, soy milk contains many vitamins that can help protect your body against disease such as cancer or heart disease!
