Soy

Not only is Soy a wonderful source of protein, it has been shown to offer many benefits in different areas of health. You can either read through this entire page to learn more about the different health benefits of soy, or you can click on these links below to jump directly to the respective sections:

• how soy helps with weight loss
• how soy helps with menopause
• how soy helps with PMS
• how soy helps with bone loss

 

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Soy and Weight Loss

Getting your protein from soy is a low-fat, low-cholesterol way to go. It's great for weight management, and the overall health benefits are amazing. The beneficial effects of soy protein were officially recognized by the Food and Drug Administration in 1999 and by the American Heart Association in 2000. 

Having 25 grams of soy protein each day can lower your risk of heart disease and it can even ease effects of menopause —- one study showed that its isoflavones can decrease the frequency hot flashes and their severity by as much as 40%. It also helps to balance carbohydrate intake.

Soy is naturally a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate food. Besides that, a university study has also documented other key properties of soy protein that help with weight loss independent of low-calorie content. In other words, soy has inherent medical properties, apart from low calorie content, that help with weight loss. The study shows that eating soy protein rich in isoflavones decreases fat deposition (storage) while increasing lean muscle mass. The researchers concluded that "Isoflavone-rich soy may attenuate the increase in fat deposition and prevent loss in lean tissue during menopause".

Let's examine these weight loss properties of soy protein:

1. Soy can help decrease the amount of fat your body stores. This means that you convert less calories into fat from the food that you eat. Insulin causes sugar to be stored as fat in your body. Soy is very good at leveling insulin levels, thus decreasing fat storage.

2. Soy can increase your muscle mass. Your muscles burn energy (in the form of calories) for daily maintenance and during exercise. Increased muscle mass burns more daily maintenance calories even if you are not exercising. In other words, greater lean muscle mass contributes to weight loss or weight maintenance even when you are just sitting around doing nothing.

3. Soy increases the rate at which your fat cells burn stored fat. Other studies have shown that soy protein increases 'brown fat' activity directly inside of fat cells. In simpler terms, soy protein increases your fat cells' metabolism rate.

4. Soy makes you feel full because it is a low-glycemic index food that minimizes insulin fluctuations. Soy protein prevents your blood glucose levels from soaring, thus reducing large insulin secretions that store glucose as fat in your body. Reduced insulin fluctuations results in fewer "sugar cravings", thus you will feel satisfied until the next meal. Binge eating due to "sugar cravings" often defeats the heroic efforts undertaken by millions in their diets. 

5. Soy helps increase your ability to utilize oxygen, thus helping you sustain high-intensity exercise for a longer period. The longer you can sustain each exercise activity, the more calories you will burn off!

6. Soy even helps animals to lose weight. Researchers from Fuji Research Institute in Japan found that body-fat content in obese mice decreased significantly when they were placed on a soy protein diet. The soy diet also lowered cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Other Japanese researchers have found that soy nutrients, called saponins, also prevents obesity in mice.

In summary, soy is an excellent dietary choice for low-fat protein that can help you stay fit and trim.

 

Where can you get a good Soy supplement?

• Tahiti Trim Plan 40™ Soy Protein Drink -- Highly Recommended. This gives you up to 22 grams of soy protein per serving and has all the necessary isoflavones necessary to reap health benefits. As an added benefit, each serving also contains 75% RDI (750 mg) of calcium. And it tastes great too!

 

Still got a question on soy and weight loss? Email us at and we'll do our best to answer any questions you have... We're here to help!

 

References

1. 1. LE Moeller, CT Peterson, KB Hanson, SB Dent, DL Alekel (SPON: DS Lewis), Isoflavone-rich soy favorably affects regional fat and lean tissue in menopausal women. Iowa State Univ, Ames 50011. Experimental Biology 2000, San Diego, CA April 15-18, 2000.
2. Lee M, Kim I, Soy protein and obesity. Nutrition 2000 Jun;16(6):459-60.
3. Saito M. Effect of soy peptides on energy metabolism in obese animals. Nutr. Sci. Soy Protein 1991:12:91. 
4. Aoyama T. et al. Soy protein isolate and its hydrolysate reduce body fat of dietary obese rats and genetically obese mice (yellow KK). Nutrition 2000 May;16(5):349-54. 
5. Kawano-Takahashi Y. et al. Effect of soya saponins on gold thioglucose (GTG)-induced obesity in mice. Int J Obes 1986;10(4):293-302.
6. Barbul, A. 1990. Arginine and immune function. Nutrition. 6:53.
7. Reynolds JV, Daly JM, Shang S, et al. 1988. Immunomodulatory mechanisms of arginine. Surgery. 104:141-151.
8. Barbul A, Sisto DA, Wasserkrug HL, et al. 1981. Arginine stimulates lymphocyte immune response in healthy humans. Surgery. 90:244-251.
9. Barbul A, Lazarou SA, Efron DT, et al. 1990. Arginine enhances wound healing and lymphocyte immune responses in humans. Surgery. 108:331-336.
10. Stroescu V, Dragan I, Georgescu E. 1994. Effects of SUPRO brand isolated soy protein supplement in male and female elite rowers. XXVth FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine. Athens, Greece.
11. Dragan I, Georgescu E, Iosub I, Baloescu R. 1993. Effects pf SUPRO brand isolated soy protein supplement in top swimmers. Xth FINA World Sports Medicine Congress. Kyoto, Japan.
12. Min HG, et al. 1994. Effects of SUPRO high-energy beverage powder on physiological functions of athletes. CSSC-Chinese National Training Bureau States Sports Commission Study.
13. M.A. Husaini, Ph.D. Nutrition Research and Development Center, Bogar, Indonesia.
14. Mezei O, Banz WJ, Steger RW, Peluso MR, Winters TA, Shay N, Soy Isoflavones Exert Antidiabetic and Hypolipidemic Effects through the PPAR Pathways in Obese Zucker Rats and Murine RAW 264.7 Cells, J Nutr 2003 May;133(5):1238-43

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Soy and Menopause

Research shows that soy protein can significantly improve your midlife comfort and health, whether you are in your perimenopause (30's to mid 40's), menopause (late 40's to mid 50's), or postmenopause (late 50's and beyond) years. Symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, fatigue, vaginal dryness, loss of libido, headaches, anxiety and insomnia can be controlled safely with soy.

 

Where can you get a good Soy supplement?

• Tahiti Trim Plan 40™ Soy Protein Drink -- Highly Recommended. This gives you up to 22 grams of soy protein per serving and has all the necessary isoflavones necessary to reap health benefits. As an added benefit, each serving also contains 75% RDI (750 mg) of calcium. And it tastes great too!

 

Still got a question on soy and menopause? Email us at and we'll do our best to answer any questions you have... We're here to help!

 

References

1. 1. Albertazzi P, Pansini F, and Bonaccorsi G, et al. 1998. The effect of dietary soy supplementation on hot flushes. Obstetrics & Gynecology. Jan;91(1):6-11.
2. Washburn S, Burke GL, and Morgan T, et al. 1999. Effect of soy protein supplementation on serum lipoproteins, blood pressure, and menopausal symptoms in perimenopausal women. Menopause. Spring;6(1):7-13. 
3. Tham DM, Gardner CD, and Haskell WL. 1998. Clinical Review 97: Potential health benefits of dietary phytoestrogens: a review of the clinical, epidemiological, and mechanistic evidence. J Clin Endocrinology Metabol. Jul;83(7):2223-35. 
4. Anderson JW, Johnstone BM, and Cook-Newell ME. 1995. Meta-analysis of the effects of soy protein intake on serum lipids. New England Journal of Medicine. Aug 3;333(5):276-82. 

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Soy and PMS

Uncontrolled, high estrogen levels in a woman's body have been linked to PMS.

How can a woman control these high estrogen levels?

Soy protein can balance high estrogen levels, thus reducing PMS symptoms, menstrual difficulties, endometriosis, fibroid-related complaints and other conditions associated with high estrogen levels. Studies show that women who consume soy protein significantly lower their estrogen levels to much healthier levels. Daily consumption for 3 to 6 months is typically required to start seeing these benefits. Your body has to "reset" to more balanced estrogen levels. Another recent study shows that soy can also improve mental outlook which could reduce mood swings.

A tremendous additional benefit may also be obtained by consuming soy protein: lower levels of the body's own estrogen are also associated with improved breast health.

A number of independent studies on American women have shown that women who consume soy protein have lower levels of estrogen in their blood. It's been known for years that Asian women on a high soy protein diet have lower estrogen levels than their American counterparts. Researchers are extremely interested in this difference because Asians also have 4 to 6 times less breast cancer than Americans.

New scientific research in Texas has found that a soy diet rich in isoflavones reduces estrogens in women and this may be involved in soya-induced protection against breast cancer risk.

Previous research had demonstrated that soy intake was associated with a reduced risk for breast cancer, which is dependent on estrogen. The research team found that blood levels of measured estrogens were reduced by 30 percent to 40 percent in women who consumed soy products.

Reducing estrogen reduces breast cell proliferation. This may help explain why soybean consumption seems to protect against breast cancer. This research can help explain earlier studies showing that women in Asia, where diets contain high concentrations of soy products, have much lower rates of breast cancer than women in the United States.

In summary, soy protein is safe and effective for alleviating PMS and menstrual disturbances. 

 

Where can you get a good Soy supplement?

• Tahiti Trim Plan 40™ Soy Protein Drink -- Highly Recommended. This gives you up to 22 grams of soy protein per serving and has all the necessary isoflavones necessary to reap health benefits. As an added benefit, each serving also contains 75% RDI (750 mg) of calcium. And it tastes great too!

 

Still got a question on soy and PMS? Email us at and we'll do our best to answer any questions you have... We're here to help!

 

References

1. Lu LJ, Anderson KE, Grady JJ, Kohen F, Nagamani M, Decreased ovarian hormones during a soya diet: implications for breast cancer prevention. Cancer Res 2000 Aug 1;60(15):4112-21, Department of Preventive Medicine, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555. 
2. Xu X, Duncan AM, Merz BE, Kurzer MS, Effects of soy isoflavones on estrogen and phytoestrogen metabolism in premenopausal women. Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers Prev 1998 Dec;7(12):1101-8. Department of Food Science and Nutrition, University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108, USA. 
3. Lu LJ, Cree M, Josyula S, Nagamani M, Grady JJ, Anderson KE, Increased urinary excretion of 2-hydroxyestrone but not 16alpha-hydroxyestrone in premenopausal women during a soya diet containing isoflavones. Cancer Res 2000 Mar 1;60(5):1299-305, Department of Preventive Medicine and Community Health, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston 77555-1110, USA. 
4. Nagata C, Shimizu H, Takami R, Hayashi M, Takeda N, Yasuda K, Serum concentrations of estradiol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and soy product intake in relation to psychologic well-being in peri- and postmenopausal Japanese women. Metabolism 2000 Dec;49(12):1561-4. Department of Public Health, Gifu University School of Medicine, Japan. 

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Soy and Bone Loss

Research findings published in the prestigious Obstetrics & Gynecology journal suggest that soy protein should be part of your bone health plan which can include HRT, calcium supplementation and weight bearing exercise at your doctor's direction.

A team of Japanese researchers analyzed the diets and bone strength of almost 500 post-menopausal Japanese women. They found that the women who consumed the highest level of soy had significantly stronger, thicker bones than women who consumed the lowest level of soy. An unexpected benefit was also discovered: the women who consumed the most soy also had the lowest rates of backaches and joint stiffness/pain.

The researchers concluded, "High consumption of soy products is associated with increased bone mass in postmenopausal women". A second Japanese study reached the same conclusions.

Chinese scientists found similar results in a three-year study of Chinese women. Their study shows that pre-menopausal women, aged 31-40, gained bone mass after dietary intake of soy protein.

The research team called for further studies on the effects of phytoestrogens such as soy isoflavones on bone health. The study found that the protective effect of soy isoflavones still remained in test subjects after adjustments for bone area, weight-bearing activity and other factors. Age and number of pregnancies had little effect on the results, the scientists said.

The researchers stated, "This study shows that soy intake reduces bone loss and is a significant dietary factor. Soy, which provides a source of phytoestrogens, appears to slow bone loss in pre-menopausal Chinese women in Hong Kong."

Soy consumption associated with decreased arthritis

Hormonal status may influence the onset and progression of several common joint diseases. Researchers had examined the association between dietary soy intake and arthritis in 225 Japanese American women aged 65+ living in King County, Washington. Soy consumption was measured with a 14-item soy food frequency questionnaire. In an analysis that accounted for age, weight, soy consumption, bone mineral density, lifestyle characteristics and estrogen use, dietary soy isoflavone intake was significantly associated with decreased incidence of arthritis.

The researchers concluded, "These data suggest that regular soy consumption may be associated with a lower prevalence of arthritis." Longitudinal studies and randomized trials are needed to confirm these results.

 

Where can you get a good Soy supplement?

• Tahiti Trim Plan 40™ Soy Protein Drink -- Highly Recommended. This gives you up to 22 grams of soy protein per serving and has all the necessary isoflavones necessary to reap health benefits. As an added benefit, each serving also contains 75% RDI (750 mg) of calcium. And it tastes great too!

 

Still got a question on soy and bone loss? Email us at and we'll do our best to answer any questions you have... We're here to help!

 

References

1. Somekawa Y, Chiguchi M, Ishibashi T, Aso T, Soy intake related to menopausal symptoms, serum lipids, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal Japanese women. Obstet Gynecol 2001 Jan;97(1):109-115. 
2. Horiuchi T, Onouchi T, Takahashi M, Ito H, Orimo H, Effect of soy protein on bone metabolism in postmenopausal Japanese women. Osteoporos Int 2000;11(8):721-4. Department of Endocrinology, Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital, Japan. 
3. Ho SC, et. al., American Society for Bone and Mineral Research, Dec 1999. 
4. Rice MM, et al. Dietary Soy Isoflavone Intake, Postmenopausal Estrogen Use, and Self-reported Arthritis in Older Japanese American Women. Fourth International Symposium on the Role of Soy in Preventing and Treating Chronic Disease. Nov 4-7. 2001. 
5. Potter SM, Baum JA, Teng H, Stillman RJ, Shay NF, Erdman JW Jr, Soy protein and isoflavones: their effects on blood lipids and bone density in postmenopausal women. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 1998 Dec;68(6 Suppl):1375S-1379S. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA. 
6. Alekel DL, Germain AS, Peterson CT, Hanson KB, Stewart JW, Toda T, Isoflavone-rich soy protein isolate attenuates bone loss in the lumbar spine of perimenopausal women. Am J Clin Nutr 2000 Sep;72(3):844-52. Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Human Metabolic Unit, Center for Designing Foods to Improve Nutrition, the Department of Statistics, Iowa State University, Ames 50011-1120, USA.

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Got a question on weight loss for women over 40? Email us at and we'll do our best to answer any questions you have... We're here to help!