What you need to know about Soy

Q: Will phytoestrogens in soy trigger cancer cell growth?

Phytoestrogens from plant foods are highly beneficial to the human body. They fill estrogen receptor sites on cells, keeping animal-derived estrogens from promoting growth of malignant cells. In this way, phytoestrogens help lower the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer.

In addition, a study by experts from National University of Singapore, Cancer Research UK, and the US National Cancer Institute concluded that females who consumed high amounts of soy had less dense breast tissue, according to X-ray reports. Hence, compared to females who did not consume large amounts of soy, they were at lower risk of suffering from breast cancer.

Q: What is phytic acid? Will the phytic acid in soy affect health?

Phytic acid is present in the hulls of grains and seeds. It binds easily to elements like calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and, in particular, zinc in the intestinal tract. Hence some people think that long-term consumption of soy products will cause a deficiency of trace elements in the human body.

Soy contains moderate amounts of phytic acid. However, soy is rich in calcium and iron that are easily absorbed by the human body. It is also rich in fructooligosaccharides (FOS), which can increase the good bacteria in the intestine and also promote absorption of calcium and magnesium, thereby making up for the metallic elements bound to phytic acid. In addition, the medical community has discovered that phytic acid may prevent colon cancer. Hence phytic acid in soy will not have a major effect on mineral absorption when there is moderate or suitable consumption of soy products coupled with a balanced diet. In fact, phytic acid may be beneficial to health with its anti-cancer effects. If you are still concerned, you can soak soybeans before removing their skin to reduce their phytic acid content.

Q: Will soy cause gout?

Soy contains purines, which are organic compounds that occur naturally in the human body. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines. Excessive amounts of purines in the body will lead to high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can cause gout.

The amount of purine in soy is lower than purine-rich foods (e.g. organ meats) but higher than foods low in purine (e.g. fruits and vegetables). Most purines are removed along with water during the manufacturing process of many soy products. 500g of soybeans can produce 2,500ml of soy milk. Hence the amount of purines in 500ml of soy milk is insignificant. A Japanese study by Yamakita and co-workers of Hyogo College of Medicine concluded that tofu is a safe source of protein for gout patients due to its small and transient effect on plasma urate levels. A 12-year study by Hyon K. Choi and co-workers involving more than 45,000 men found that higher levels of meat and seafood consumption are associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables is not associated with an increased risk of gout.

In addition, estrogens help inhibit formation of uric acid. Soy isoflavones can restore balance to men experiencing irregularities in uric acid elimination due to interference from male hormones, and replenish estrogens in menopausal women, thereby reducing gout incidence. Compared to fish, meat, seafood and freshwater delicacies, soy and soy products are relatively safer and more ideal sources of protein.

Q: Are plant proteins more beneficial to health than animal proteins?

Let's look at the comparison chart. 

For better protein intake, I will definitely opt for safer option, which is soy protein, as compared to whey protein, cow's milk or others. 

Nutrifresh is the best convenience for me given that it's formulated with principle of Nutritional Immunology, and it's safer, free from all preservatives and chemicals. 

Nutrifresh Ingredient Label

As you can see most ingredient you can read easily, such as Asparagus, Barley, Broccoli, Citrus Peel etc. 

 

Ingredient Label of other protein powder in market

Which normally contain of other synthetic ingredient, such Glycine, L-Glutamine, etc

 

Siew Choon

90263064

If cow's milk is not good, what are the good source of protein then?

There are many sources of protein, as mentioned earlier about disadvantages of obtaining protein from milk, some people may go for animal protein such as meat, egg etc.

Personally, I will choose to obtain protein from plant source, which is healthier and safer, as animal protein such as chicken or red meat easily lead to cell mutation within our body. So it's good have to have it once a while. 

Let's look at some of the misconception that we usually have on Soy! 

What are the benefits of soy?

Soy is high in protein and has no cholesterol. Soy isoflavones can reduce serum cholesterol levels and help prevent coronary heart disease. Soy also contains several phytochemicals that have anti-carcinogenic properties. In addition, soy isoflavones have proven to be effective in the prevention of osteoporosis. It also contains a tetrapeptide that can speed up fat decomposition to aid in weight management. In addition, soy alleviates menopausal symptoms.

Will phytoestrogens in soy trigger cancer cell growth?

Phytoestrogens from plant foods are highly beneficial to the human body. They fill estrogen receptor sites on cells, keeping animal-derived estrogens from promoting growth of malignant cells. In this way, phytoestrogens help lower the risk of estrogen-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer. In addition, a study by experts from National University of Singapore, Cancer Research UK, and the US National Cancer Institute concluded that females who consumed high amounts of soy had less dense breast tissue, according to X-ray reports. Hence, compared to females who did not consume large amounts of soy, they were at lower risk of suffering from breast cancer.

 

Will soy cause gout?

Soy contains purines, which are organic compounds that occur naturally in the human body. Uric acid is produced when the body breaks down purines. Excessive amounts of purines in the body will lead to high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can cause gout. The amount of purine in soy is lower than purine-rich foods (e.g. organ meats) but higher than foods low in purine (e.g. fruits and vegetables). Most purines are removed along with water during the manufacturing process of many soy products. 500g of soybeans can produce 2,500ml of soy milk. Hence the amount of purines in 500ml of soy milk is insignificant. A Japanese study by Yamakita and co-workers of Hyogo College of Medicine concluded that tofu is a safe source of protein for gout patients due to its small and transient effect on plasma urate levels. A 12-year study by Hyon K. Choi and co-workers involving more than 45,000 men found that higher levels of meat and seafood consumption are associated with an increased risk of gout, whereas moderate intake of purine-rich vegetables is not associated with an increased risk of gout. In addition, estrogens help inhibit formation of uric acid. Soy isoflavones can restore balance to men experiencing irregularities in uric acid elimination due to interference from male hormones, and replenish estrogens in menopausal women, thereby reducing gout incidence. Compared to fish, meat, seafood and freshwater delicacies, soy and soy products are relatively safer and more ideal sources of protein.

Are plant proteins more beneficial to health than animal proteins?

Compared to animal proteins, plant proteins such as soy protein are more easily absorbed by the body. Plant proteins provide the body with essential nutrients but with less fat and fewer calories. Besides, soy is rich in phytochemicals to effectively boost immune functions. The American Diabetes Association hails soy as the ideal source of protein for diabetics as soy does not burden the kidneys. Soy protein is a plant protein. Hence, it does not contain any animal hormones or fats, making it the healthier choice.   Soy Protein Animal Protein ·   Low in calories. ·   High in fats and calories. ·   Easily broken down and absorbed. ·   Does not burden health.   ·   The human body cannot break down     animal protein effectively. ·   Excessive consumption burdens and     damages the liver and kidneys.   ·   Easily digested. ·   Does not cause allergies.   ·   Difficult to digest. ·   May cause allergies.   ·   Cholesterol-free. ·   High in saturated fats. ·   High in cholesterol. ·   Long-term consumption may increase     risk of diseases including     atherosclerosis, fatty liver, heart attack     and even cancer. ·   Can increase bone density and     enhances calcium retention. ·   Research shows that replacing     animal protein with soy protein can     lower calcium loss by 50%.   ·   Excessive consumption increases     calcium loss from the body. ·   Increases risk of osteoporosis.

Nutrifresh is one of my favorite beverage! It's made from soy, plus other fruits and vegetables (total 15 types in different colours) without preservatives and colouring! it's a wholesome, orgranic freeze dried beverages that's suitable for baby, in replacing their milk intake after mother's breastfeed.

For busy professional in the office, Nutrifresh is perfect breakfast also :)

Read up: Why I choose Nutrifresh than dairies

It's healthier and much much cheaper than the fruit juice/soy bean drink sold outside! Especially for those who are undergoing certain treatment, such as chemo, who need extra protein sources in rebuilding their cells. Nutrifresh is a better choice as compared to obtaining the protein from animal sources!

Feel free to contact me if you would like to find out more.



Siew Choon
90263064
teysiewchoon@gmail.com