My husband has MS, and I have Diabetes. Researching healthissues has become a "hobby" of mine. I am always interested inhealth issues. I am especially interested in soy because I amconstantly looking for protein to balance my diabetic meals. Iam not a meat eater, although I am not a vegetarian either. Ibelieve that knowledge is my best defense.
Soy milk (also called soymilk, soya milk, soybean milk, soy beanmilk, or soy drink) is a beverage produced from soybeans.
Although its English name uses the word "milk", due to itscommon use as a milk substitute in Western societies, it isactually a juice extracted from soybeans after soaking,grinding, cooking and straining. It is generally opaque, whiteor off-white in color, and approximately the same consistency ascow's milk.
Here is some technical information on soy and it's benefit fordiabetics.
Beneficial Glycemic (Blood Sugar) Control Effects of SoyIsoflavones
OBJECTIVE. This study was conducted to examine the effects ofsoy isoflavones on blood glucose, insulin, and lipid profiles.The investigators hypothesized that soy isoflavones wouldbeneficially alter these endpoints.
STUDY DESIGN. Study subjects were postmenopausal women between48 75 years of age. Participants received 100 milligrams ofsoy isoflavones for 6 months.
RESULTS. The results of this study demonstrated that isoflavoneshave beneficial effects on blood sugar control. A significantdecline in blood glucose over time was observed. Blood insulinfavorably changed too.
CONCLUSION. The data from this study demonstrated that soyisoflavones induced a beneficial effect on blood glucose andinsulin concentrations.
REFERENCE: Journal of Women¹s Health 2004
Soy has been known to improve memory.
Soy may reduce the symptoms of menopause and make them moretolerable for women. Regular intake of soy has proved to helpwomen in menopause.
* Soy maintains the bone density after menopause. How much soydo I need to eat every day? Most of the recent scientificstudies 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 ofphytoestrogens; a type of phytochemical or naturally occurringcompounds in plants. Soy is the single most important source ofphytoestrogens. The highest levels of isoflavones for humanconsumption are almost exclusively in soy.
What is isolated soy protein? Isolated soy protein is 90 percentprotein on a dry weight basis, with virtually all of the fat andcarbohydrate removed. Processed from whole soybeans, isolatedsoy protein is fundamentally an ingredient to be incorporatedinto foods and beverages. Because of its high proteinconcentration, isolated soy protein offers food manufacturers anideal way to incorporate into their products the necessaryamount of soy protein needed to qualify for the health claimlabel.
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. Ihave come to love soy shakes, and they come in many differentflavours.
Soy protein has been shown to be equal to proteins of animalorigin. It can be your sole protein source if you choose.
From the American Diabetes Association: Teixeira SR, TappendenKA, Carson L, et al.: Isolated soy protein consumption reducesurinary albumin excretion and improves the serum lipid profilein men with type 2 diabetes mellitus and nephropathy. J Nutr134:1874-1880, 2004 What is the problem and what is known aboutit so far?
When people are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, they often havealbuminuria. This means that their bodies are releasing morethan normal amounts of a protein called albumin in their urine.This is caused by changes in the kidneys from diabetes. Findingways to reduce the amount of albumin in the urine is important.
Researchers wanted to know if people who ate isolated soyprotein had lower albumin levels in the urine and fats in theblood. Isolated soy protein can be found in soy milk, soyprotein powders and tofu.
Who was studied?
Thirty-four men with type 2 diabetes between the ages of 63 and73 were studied. Men not taking medications or who had no otherconditions that changed albumin levels were included. All themen had been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes for at least 5years.
How was the study done?
The men were put into three groups, which were studied for sevenmonths. 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 proteinand casein can be mixed into foods and drinks.)
The men visited a dietitian every 2 weeks, when their weight andblood pressure was measured.
The men also wrote down what they ate and drank for three days.
Researchers took fasting blood and urine samples six timesduring the study. Fasting blood samples are taken before aperson eats.
What did the researchers find?
The researchers found that isolated soy protein reduced albuminin 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 soyprotein or the casein upset their stomachs.
What are the implications of the study?
Isolated soy protein could help prevent kidney and heartdisease. This is especially important in patients with type 2diabetes because they have a higher risk of getting kidney andheart disease.
Here are the names of some of the recipes I came across. I willnot 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 arealready doing it.
How about soy based "ground round" instead of beef as an optionon 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 educationalpurposes only and should not be used in any other manner. Thisinformation is not intended to substitute for informed medicaladvice
About the author:My name is Ruth Bird. People and Pet Health Care are mypassions. Contact me here http://www.mimfreedom.comMy Blog http://myhealthcafe.blogspot.com/
