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Soy Protein - Nutritional Facts, Benefits and Market Trends

Last updated: March-29,2022

Soy Protein - Nutritional Facts, Health Benefits and Market Trends

What is Soy?

Soy or soy protein is found in soybean, a legume that contains no cholesterol and is low in saturated fat. It is frequently used to replace animal proteins in a vegetarian diet.

Nutritional Profile - How Much of Protein Does Soy Have?

Soybeans are counted among the best sources of plant-based protein. The protein content of soybeans makes up 36–56% of the dry weight. One cup (172 grams) of boiled soybeans provides approximately 29 grams of protein.[i] [ii]

Is Soy a Complete Protein?

Soy protein is a complete protein as it has all the essential amino acids that support the normal growth and development of infants and children. Since soy protein is low in fat, free of saturated fat and cholesterol, it is an ideal protein source.

What is Soy Protein Good for?

  • Consumption of soy protein is known to bring a modest decrease in cholesterol levels.
  • The nutritional profile of soy protein points to it being almost as good as animal protein.
  • Soybean is mainly composed of protein but also contains considerable amounts of carbs and fat.
  • Whole soybeans have a very low glycemic index (GI), a measure of how foods affect the rise in blood sugar after a meal.[iii]

Soy, a good source of protein, fiber, and omega-3, is naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. It has been linked to a lower risk of heart disease because of its beneficial fatty acid profile and the protein and isoflavone content.

Soy Protein Nutritional Facts Infographic

The Soy heart health claim- Soy’s fatty acid profile makes it a valuable part of heart-healthy diets, while its protein content makes it exceptional among plant foods in protecting against heart diseases.

So, What is Soy Good for?

Soy protein is well known for its benefits in supporting healthy cholesterol and blood pressure already within a normal range.

A recent study on Soy protein and cholesterol led by scientists at Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine shows that Soy protein supplements may also help reduce compounds that can impact blood vessel health showcases Soy’s usefulness in promoting cardiovascular health.[iv]

The study, published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, is believed to be one of the biggest randomized trials to investigate the effect of protein supplementation on different biomarkers assessing endothelial (lining of the blood vessel) function and adipocytokines (cell-to-cell signaling proteins secreted by the fat tissues).[v]

The study consisted of 102 participants - men, women, Caucasians, and African Americans - making it one of the most generalizable studies. During the eight-week trial period, the participants received randomized consumption phases of soy protein (48 grams a day with 89.3 milligrams of isoflavones), milk protein (40 grams a day), or complex carbohydrate, which was administered as a placebo.

This double-blind, three-phase crossover study showed no significant changes in certain biomarkers, except for a marker of endothelial function. Scientists observed remarkable E-selectin reductions when comparing milk protein, leptin, and adipocytokine, against the placebo.

Is Soy Beneficial in Promoting Cardiovascular Health?

Yes, there are many benefits of soy-based protein powder for heart health. Soy is a complete protein, and its strong nutrition profile has made it a proven healthy diet choice. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) allows supplement manufacturers to make health claims on their soy products.[vi] The FDA states, "A health claim associating diets that are low in saturated fat and cholesterol and that include soy protein with reduced risk of heart disease may be made on the label or labeling of a food..."

The American Heart Association currently recommends 25 mg of soy protein with phytoestrogens along with a low-fat diet to help lower the risk of cardiovascular health problems.

That's a strong backing for soy protein supplements and a big impetus for supplement business owners to add soy protein powders to their product line.

Soy Market Trend

Expected to grow at a 2.78% CAGR of between 2020 – 2025, the global soy protein ingredients’ growth is driven by a growing inclination toward vegan diets among consumers. The functional efficiency cost competitiveness and increasing utilization in a wide variety of processed foods, especially in the ready-to-eat product category, makes soy a special plant protein product.[vii]

Start Manufacturing Nutraceutical Supplements That Support Heart Health!

For more information on how you can manufacture a high-quality soy protein supplement with NutraScience Labs, call 855-492-7388 to speak with one of our production specialists or send us your request to receive a free nutraceutical manufacturing price quote in 48 business hours.


References:

[i] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/foods/soybeans

[ii] https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/ndb/

[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1595159/

[iv] https://digitallibrary.tulane.edu/islandora/object/tulane%3A27747/datastream/PDF/view

[v] https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2012186

[vi] https://www.fda.gov/media/108701/download

[vii] https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/04/09/2014333/0/en/The-global-soy-protein-ingredients-market-is-projected-to-grow-at-a-CAGR-of-2-78-during-the-forecast-period-2020-2025.html

February 5th, 2021

About the Author:

 
Gene Bruno

Gene Bruno, MS, MHS, RH(AHG) - Mr. Bruno possesses over 43 years of dietary supplement industry experience. With a Master's degree in nutrition and a second Master's degree in herbal medicine, he has a proven track record of formulating innovative, evidence-based dietary supplements. Mr. Bruno currently serves as both the Senior Director of Product Innovation at Twinlab Corporation and Professor of Nutraceutical Science at Huntington University of Health Sciences.