More Joys of Soy

My husband has MS, and I have Diabetes. Researching health issues has become a "hobby" of mine. I am always interested in health issues. I am especially interested in soy because I am constantly looking for protein to balance my diabetic meals. I am not a meat eater, although I am not a vegetarian either. I believe that knowledge is my best defense.

Soy milk (also called soymilk, soya milk, soybean milk, soy bean milk, or soy drink) is a beverage produced from soybeans.

Although its English name uses the word "milk", due to its common use as a milk substitute in Western societies, it is actually a juice extracted from soybeans after soaking, grinding, cooking and straining. It is generally opaque, white or off-white in color, and approximately the same consistency as cow's milk.

Here is some technical information on soy and it's benefit for diabetics.

Beneficial Glycemic (Blood Sugar) Control Effects of Soy Isoflavones

OBJECTIVE. This study was conducted to examine the effects of soy isoflavones on blood glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles. The investigators hypothesized that soy isoflavones would beneficially alter these endpoints.

STUDY DESIGN. Study subjects were postmenopausal women between 48 ­ 75 years of age. Participants received 100 milligrams of soy isoflavones for 6 months.

RESULTS. The results of this study demonstrated that isoflavones have beneficial effects on blood sugar control. A significant decline in blood glucose over time was observed. Blood insulin favorably changed too.

CONCLUSION. The data from this study demonstrated that soy isoflavones induced a beneficial effect on blood glucose and insulin concentrations.

REFERENCE: Journal of Women¹s Health 2004

Soy has been known to improve memory.

Soy may reduce the symptoms of menopause and make them more tolerable for women. Regular intake of soy has proved to help women in menopause.

• Soy maintains the bone density after menopause. How much soy do I need to eat every day? Most of the recent scientific studies have been done with daily doses of 60 milligrams (mg.) of soy isoflavones. A diet of 25-30 grams of soy protein, containing a minimum of 60 mg. of dietary soy isoflavones, should provide health benefits.

What are isoflavones? Soy isoflavones are a unique group of phytoestrogens; a type of phytochemical or naturally occurring compounds in plants. Soy is the single most important source of phytoestrogens. The highest levels of isoflavones for human consumption are almost exclusively in soy.

What is isolated soy protein? Isolated soy protein is 90 percent protein on a dry weight basis, with virtually all of the fat and carbohydrate removed. Processed from whole soybeans, isolated soy protein is fundamentally an ingredient to be incorporated into foods and beverages. Because of its high protein concentration, isolated soy protein offers food manufacturers an ideal way to incorporate into their products the necessary amount of soy protein needed to qualify for the health claim label.

What are some of the soy products available?

Protein Bars

Protein Shakes

Soy Coffee

Soy Nuts

Soy Milk

Soy Pasta

Soy Flour

And there are many more products. The above are only a few. I have come to love soy shakes, and they come in many different flavours.

Soy protein has been shown to be equal to proteins of animal origin. It can be your sole protein source if you choose.

From the American Diabetes Association: Teixeira SR, Tappenden KA, Carson L, et al.: Isolated soy protein consumption reduces urinary albumin excretion and improves the serum lipid profile in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nephropathy. J Nutr 134:1874-1880, 2004 What is the problem and what is known about it so far?

When people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, they often have albuminuria. This means that their bodies are releasing more than normal amounts of a protein called albumin in their urine. This is caused by changes in the kidneys from diabetes. Finding ways to reduce the amount of albumin in the urine is important.

Researchers wanted to know if people who ate isolated soy protein had lower albumin levels in the urine and fats in the blood. Isolated soy protein can be found in soy milk, soy protein powders and tofu.

Who was studied?

Thirty-four men with type 2 diabetes between the ages of 63 and 73 were studied. Men not taking medications or who had no other conditions that changed albumin levels were included. All the men had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 5 years.

How was the study done?

The men were put into three groups, which were studied for seven months. Each group ate two different diets at different times. The men ate isolated soy protein during one phase and ate casein (a protein from milk) during the other. (Isolated soy protein and casein can be mixed into foods and drinks.)

The men visited a dietitian every 2 weeks, when their weight and blood pressure was measured.

The men also wrote down what they ate and drank for three days.

Researchers took fasting blood and urine samples six times during the study. Fasting blood samples are taken before a person eats.

What did the researchers find?

The researchers found that isolated soy protein reduced albumin in the urine more than casein did. It also helped increase HDL (the "good" cholesterol). No real difference was noted in LDL (the "bad" cholesterol) levels of the men.

What were the limitations of the study?

Some men dropped out of the study because the isolated soy protein or the casein upset their stomachs.

What are the implications of the study?

Isolated soy protein could help prevent kidney and heart disease. This is especially important in patients with type 2 diabetes because they have a higher risk of getting kidney and heart disease.

Here are the names of some of the recipes I came across. I will not post the recipes here, but I am sure if you seach for them, you will easily find them on the internet.

A soy salami and cheese pizza? You bet! Some major chains are already doing it.

How about soy based "ground round" instead of beef as an option on that taco?

You can offer delicious dairy-free alternatives to ice-cream. Lactose intolerant customers will be very happy!

Soyfee The Soy Coffee with the Great Taste.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is designed for educational purposes only and should not be used in any other manner. This information is not intended to substitute for informed medical advice