Fact: Animal meat is a source of complete protein.

Fact: Soybeans and soy are also a complete source of protein.

Soy is a very healthy superfood

What are complete proteins? Wikipedia defines complete or whole proteins as “a source of protein that contains an adequate proportion of all of the essential amino acids for the dietary needs of humans.” Soy’s complete proteins are similar in composition to egg whites and milk protein and are also easy to digest.

Soy is also low in saturated fat and contains zero cholesterol. It’s important to keep your cholesterol count low as it can clog your arteries and put you at risk for heart disease, a major killer. Soy is also a great source of fiber, which is key for a healthy digestive system and can actually help lower cholesterol.

There is one caveat with soy for certain women. Soy can act like a pseudo-estrogen. If you are a breast cancer survivor or have a history of breast cancer in your family, you have probably already been advised to stay away from any medications containing estrogen or estrogen-like hormones, such as birth control pills, because they can increase the risk for breast cancer in people who are already prone to the disease. Because soy can act like a pseudo estrogen, breast cancer survivors and those with a genetic disposition for breast cancer should avoid eating large amounts of soy for the same reasons they should stay away from hormone pills. That being said, aside from this caveat, soy is a very healthy super food.

Soy foods are available in many different forms. You can try tofu, which comes silken, firm, or extra firm. Tofu is a fermented soy product that has barely any taste. Instead, it takes on the taste of whatever flavors are added to it, which makes it very versatile. Edamame is also a great way to enjoy soy. Edamame is simply whole soybeans that can be eaten directly out of the pod. Soymilk is another suggestion that also provides a great alternative to milk, especially if you are lactose intolerant. There are many soymilk brands on the market, but I recommend the ones found near the regular milk that come refrigerated for the best taste.

Got Soy?

Have you got soy in your pantry? Let me know by leaving a comment below.