Hyvin
A Natural Health and Wellness Blog

One of my four sons fancies himself a would-be vegetarian. I sometimes think that if I enjoyed cooking and being creative in the kitchen, I would consider his position more seriously. This information certainly makes me think…

Here are 7 interesting did-you-know facts about soy and animal protein I’ve come across from various sources:

• A complete protein containing all of the 9 essential amino acids is essential for long-term human health. It’s not the protein that is important; it’s the amino acid content of the protein that is important. If one essential amino acid is missing, the immune system can be depressed 30%, and many important body functions are delayed or stopped.
• Animal protein does not contain all of these essential amino acids in any one serving. And not all soybeans are created equal: quality and amino acid content will vary based on soil conditions, and variable growing and harvest conditions. Therefore, the benefits provided by the nine essential amino acids is dependent on the verification of amino acid content in each batch of soybeans by the manufacturers of our soy foods.
• Amino acids are very sensitive to heat. In some studies, cooking protein has been shown to destroy up to 50% of some essential amino acids. Meat has to be cooked to be safe to eat, of course. Raw soybean foods, however, retain these amino acids, and enzymes in the food essential for protein utilization.
• Phytochemical compounds called isoflavones, which are essential for maximum human health, are not found in animal protein. Although they are not vitamins or minerals, scientists believe these plant compounds show much promise in cancer prevention, bone health, cholesterol reduction and balancing hormones. These elements are present in soy protein products that have been processed in such a way as to preserve them. For instance, crushed soy flakes need to be water washed; alcohol washing, which is commonly used, destroys isoflavone content up to 88%!
• Animal protein is much harder to digest than vegetable protein. Since many people have digestive difficulties, protein that is not thoroughly digested is very challenging to the kidneys. Tip: Powdered protein is in a predigested state and is the best overall protein source to choose.
• Meat contains a more-than-desirable amount of saturated fat and cholesterol. A soy protein drink mix, on the other hand, is easily digestible, very low in saturated fat, contains no cholesterol, and quickly absorbs into the blood.
• Whole soy beans are high in plant fat. If soybeans are roasted to eat as soy nuts, the heat alters the fat and makes it a trans-fatty acid, which causes both cancer and heart disease. As roasted soy nuts sit on the shelf or in the cupboard in storage, the oils are becoming more and more rancid and carcinogenic. AVOID roasted soy beans.

Thankfully, there’s an easy way to make sure you receive all the benefits of soy protein. My family uses and recommends a soy drink mix which provides all nine essential amino acids, is water-washed, and uses low-heat processing. Plus, it’s easy and quick to mix up for myself or the kids, it tastes good, and it truly does give us, as the name says, energy!