What Are The Benefits Of Introducing Soy Into My Diet?
If you havenīt introduced Soy into your diet, you should. In recent years, the medical community and health nuts everywhere have given rave reviews about this herbīs disease-fighting properties. Youīve probably noticed the recent invasion of soy products on supermarket shelves, from milks and cheeses to burgers and breads.
But why should you make Soy a part of your daily diet? Continue reading to find out.
Why Should I Jump on the Soy Bandwagon?
Soy contains several essential nutrients, such as proteins and minerals. Itīs key ingredients are isoflavones, a class of organic compounds that help fight disease by providing the body with antioxidants. The phytoestrogens in Soy bind to receptors to increase estrogen when levels are deficient and block estrogen when estrogen is excess. In the herb world, Soy has become a frontrunner in promoting good health in women. Soy has many benefits, including:
1. Building Strong Bones
For aging women at-risk of osteoporosis, Soy may be the perfect complement (or replacement) to milk. In addition to containing some calcium, the isoflavones in Soy prevent bone fractures and breaks by helping to maintain bone tissue.
2. Relieving Menopause Symptoms
Soy may be used as a treatment for menopause because it contains phytoestrogens, plant-based estrogens that mimic the effects of estrogens in the body. These phytoestrogens thus help to restore hormone imbalance and alleviate the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood-related disorders.
3. Reducing the Risk of Heart Attack
The fibers in Soy help speed metabolism, lower cholesterol and prevent plaque buildup. These properties go a long way in helping women to maintain good cholesterol and fight off heart-related diseases. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends adding 25 grams of soy protein per day to your diet to reduce the risk of heart disease.
4. Preventing Cancer
By helping to restore estrogen balance in the body, Soy may prevent breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that this kind of evidence comes from population studies, which concluded that people with diets rich in soy had lower risks of developing some cancers.
Soy has many health benefits, but it also has some side effects and risks. You should consult with your doctor before incorporating large amounts of Soy into your daily diet. Click here to read more information about other types of herbs.