Find the Joy in Soy
Versatile Food Always a Healthy Choice
-- By Liz Noelcke, Staff Writer
What exactly does that little soybean do? Turns out that it is a nutritional powerhouse, and although no governmental guidelines have been issued as to how much you should consume a day as part of your healthy diet, most researchers and health professionals agree that there is a lot of good to get out of such a little bean.
Soybeans and soy foods are high in protein, without loads of fat. In fact, soy is very low in saturated fat and has no cholesterol. Recently researchers proved that the protein specific to soybeans helps to lower the risk of heart disease. Just like most meats, soy protein is also a complete source of all of the amino acids the body needs.
After about the age of 30, a woman’s body starts losing the ability to fully absorb calcium. Because of this, women need to make sure they are consuming enough calcium to counter this loss. A loss of bone density from lack of calcium is what can cause osteoporosis later in life. Along with other foods, such as milk and green leafy vegetables, soy is a great source of calcium and it comes in a form that is more easily absorbed. Therefore, for women especially, soy products can be a great addition to their diets.
