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

What are the danger of Whey Protein?

Where does Whey Protein come from? 

Whey protein is a mixture of globular proteins isolated from whey, the liquid material created as a by-product of cheese production.

Whey protein typically comes in four major forms            

concentrate (WPC), isolate (WPI), hydrolysate (WPH) and Native Whey.

Whey Protein Drink Side Effects

Whey protein is a dietary supplement, a powder derived from cow's milk that is lauded by athletes and bodybuilders for its ability to build hard, lean and strong muscles. The body needs protein as a source of energy, for building and repairing muscles and bones, and to maintain the body's metabolic functions. Whey protein contains the branched chain amino acids (BCAA) leucine, isoleucine and valine, essential amino acids for athletes and those who exercise. Whey protein is of high quality. It's easily digested and absorbed into the body.

Serious Side Effects

Some serious side effects of whey protein may be related to a high protein intake. These include osteoporosis, kidney damage and liver damage. Another serious side effect is an allergic reaction, particularly in people with lactose intolerance.

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a condition in which bones become porous, weakened and brittle. They may fracture while bending or during a fall. Low levels of minerals in the bone, such as calcium, results in osteoporosis. Excessive whey protein may cause osteoporosis because amino acids break apart and pass into the blood during the digestion of protein, raising the acidity of the blood. According to the North Western Health Sciences University website, because your body must have a balanced pH level, calcium is pulled from the bone to neutralize the acidity. Therefore, the more protein taken in the diet, the higher the acidity of the blood and the more calcium needed.

Kidney and Liver Damage

Excessive whey protein may not cause kidney or liver damage in healthy people. But because the body doesn't store excess protein, according to the Mayo Clinic website, the product of excess protein, nitrogen, is excreted by the liver and the kidneys.This makes people with kidney or liver disease and other chronic health condition at risk for kidney and liver diseases when excess protein is added to the diet and has to be excreted. These people should consult their health care provider before starting a new diet.

Allergic Reaction

People with milk allergy or lactose intolerance may be at risk for developing an allergic reaction when taking whey protein drinks. Whey protein products shouldn't be taken by these people. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include a rash or hives with itching and swelling of the face, tongue or throat, along with shortness of breath and difficulty breathing. An allergic reaction is a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical care and attention.

Less Serious Side Effects

Less serious side effects of whey protein supplements may include headache, abdominal cramps, bloating and diarrhea.

Instead of taking Whey Protein, i will opt for safer alternative which is Nutrifresh, which contains 15 types of fruits and vegetables, with main ingredients - Soy Bean.

What's the main different between Plant based Protein vs Animal Protein?

You can look at the FAQ on Nutrifresh here.

http://www.eexcelasia.com/EN/Product/SVQA/JCYY/qa9.aspx

You are what you eat, why not choose something safer?

http://immunesuperfood.blogspot.sg/2014/03/milk-leads-to-more-calcium-loss.html

Cheers
Siew Choon
90263064