Soy products supply whole-food soy or isolated active compounds found in soy. They help to promote cardiovascular health, women’s wellness, mental clarity and:**
What is Soy?
A legume that was cultivated over 5,000 years ago in northern and central China, the soybean has long been prized for its culinary versatility, dense nutritional value and diverse wellness benefits. A good source of vegetarian protein, soy also supplies phytoestrogen compounds (genistein and daidzein), a brain-supportive phospholipid called lecithin, vitamins, minerals, fiber and health-promoting fatty acids. First brought to the United States in 1765, the soybean experienced rapid growth due to its many uses in agriculture. Today, the US is the current world leader in soybean production, exporting 23+ million tons annually for use in a vast array of soy products worldwide.**
Soy products are generally separated into two categories: fermented and nonfermented. Fermented soy products include the familiar, such as soy sauce, along with more recent nutritional developments like nattokinase, a heart-healthy enzyme isolated from a fermented soybean dish called natto. Nonfermented soy may be served fresh, ground, separated, dried, or processed into a multitude of foods, such as soy nuts, soy flour, soymilk, tofu, tempeh, meat substitutes, and others. These soy foods are often substituted as alternatives for a variety of health-conscious diets, including vegan and vegetarian lifestyles. Soy foods may replace high-fat or unhealthy ingredients with a superior nutritional value ingredient, helping to advance overall wellness.**
Research has shown soybeans promote many aspects of wellness, but they are especially associated with cardiovascular health. The Food and Drug Administration has reported that soy protein, as part of a healthy diet, may lower cholesterol. This benefit is so well-documented that the FDA allows the following statement on some soy products: "25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease. A serving of (name of food) provides ____ grams of soy protein." Other studies have suggested that soy may reduce homocysteine in the body while balancing blood sugar levels, offering further support for the heart and entire cardiovascular system.**
Soy’s natural nutrients optimize many other aspects of well-being, and are widely used to assist with menopausal symptoms, PMS symptoms, hormone balance, bone health, cognitive performance, exercise capacity and more.**
While soy foods are a popular way to increase intake, many natural soy supplements can supply the same active compounds that are responsible for soy’s health benefits. Some of the more widely known soy supplements include:
- Lecithin: This compound is high in choline, a B vitamin associated with brain health and nervous system wellness. Choline is converted into acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that enables sharp memory and fast mental processing.**
- Soy Protein: Considered a “complete” plant-based protein, soy protein has been shown to be an effective supplement for maintaining cardiovascular health, managing cholesterol, optimizing exercise performance, and maintaining vital biological pathways with high-quality proteins and amino acids.**
- Soy Isoflavones: Similar to the hormone estrogen, the soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein provide a number of benefits for women’s wellness, and are popularly used to ease the hot flashes, mood issues, and bone problems that are sometimes associated with menopause.**
- Phosphatidylcholine: Sometimes considered an “extract” of lecithin, this phospholipid is found in all brain cell membranes. Like lecithin, it encourages neurotransmitter production and has been linked to a range of cognitive and brain health benefits.**
Soy Products
Soy supplements originate from soybeans, and may either present a “whole food” extract, a single isolated active component of soy, or a combination of soy-based compounds. Capsules, softgels and powders are among the most widely available forms of these nutrients.**
Soy Directions for Use
Always consult your health care provider before beginning any supplement regimen. There is no set recommended dosage for these supplements. Capsules and softgels are offered in varying amounts, typically ranging from 100 mg to 1200 mg.**
