Soy protein is a nutritional supplement that has been used for ages in Asia as a source of nutrient and as a medicine. Soy Protein isolate as developed in the 1960s made it possible for a product to be developed that didn’t have some of the gastrointestinal issues associated with the original varieties.
In the late 1990s, soy protein powder manufacturers benefited from the decision by the FDA to allow them to label their products as helping to decrease heart disease risk amongst users. When this happened, soy protein powders can really be said to have taken off.The question remains of course whether or not soy protein powders can live up to this original hype.Soy protein powders do provide the essential amino acids needed by the body. These can help with growth, cellular maintenance and coping with stresses and strains. Soy protein is actually the most complete protein of all the various vegetable based proteins. As such, soy protein comes closest to the animal derived varieties.Whey protein does however score higher when it comes to looking at the digestibility but only of a difference between 1 (for soy protein) and 1.14 for whey protein.Both soy protein and proteins derived from milk and meat are found to be very easily digestible in human clinical studies. Sources of soy protein include tofu, soy milk, miso and soy flour. You can eat these in these forms or even now as soy burgers, cheeses, yogurts and various other soy products. Using soy supplements and protein powders can also help provide you with some of the amino acids in higher amounts than your regular whey protein formula. As such, some experts suggest mixing the two in order to get the most out of each.Using both a whey protein powder and a soy protein powder can therefore give benefits than either alone lacks. Most importantly though for those who are lactose intolerant, a soy protein formula offers a great alternative. Make sure to check labels though as some soy supplements may still utilize milk proteins.
