Soy Protein Powder: Opinions and Reviews
If you are a sportsman you will know soy protein powder at least by reputation . But what are they and where do they come from? Soy protein powder is obtained from the seeds of the homonymous leguminous plant. Soy is a legume with an interesting protein content: about 37% of the weight for the dry product.
It therefore contains very high percentages of proteins even higher than those of meat and fish. However, it must be remembered that soy proteins are of lower quality than those of meat and fish and that among the amino acids that make up the formula, the content of methionine is low and this deficiency negatively affects the protein synthesis of the other amino acids.
It must be remembered that it is possible to integrate them thanks to the complementarity of proteins from cereals: taking soy proteins with proteins from cereals creates a complete formula. For this reason, Asian populations have always associated, as an innate need, soy with cereals such as miso or shoyu (a sauce made from wheat and soy). Let’s take a closer look at the subject.
Protein isolate and soy protein powder
The quality of soy protein isolate is much higher than that of the proteins that can be obtained from the ingestion of the seed or from soy-based foods. They have a high content of glutamine and arginine and branched chain amino acids, and the extraction and processing methods for soy protein isolate allow it to obtain the maximum protein quality score according to the World Health Organization.
Soy contains isoflavones which are generally quite tolerated and without side effects. Please note that the use of isoflavone-based supplements is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Soy protein powder isolates are a valid aid for people who want to improve muscle mass without taking products based on ingredients of animal origin. They can be taken alone or used in many preparations such as protein shakes or as an ingredient for meals.
However, even common soy-based supplements (therefore not only those based on soy protein isolate) should not be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women or by people who have suffered from breast cancer.
They are mainly used in the post-workout phase for recovery and to counteract post-workout fatigue as they help rapid muscle recovery thanks to the content of branched chain amino acids: glutamine and arginine.
However, it should not be abused, because an excess of soy can cause the onset of estrogen-dependent tumors, lower fertility and cause thyroid problems in individuals who are genetically predisposed to develop the disease.
Alternatives to soy protein powder
If you don’t like soy protein powder , but want to take a supplement that can provide you with all the energy you need, there are good and tasty soy snacks created by My Protein . I want to introduce them to you.
My Protein Protein Crisps contain a whopping 11g of protein with only 100 calories. They are perfect for a healthy and tasty snack without fear of ruining your diet. They are found in convenient 25 g packets and are perfect to carry with you in your gym bag or in your going out bag, they are ideal for those moments when you are hungry and need a protein-based snack but low in calories.
They contain 60% less carbohydrates and fats when compared to the classic crisps found in the supermarket, so they are a sin of gluttony without too many risks for your physical shape. Furthermore, unlike classic chips, they are not greasy and are not salty on the surface.
They help improve the growth and maintenance of muscle mass and are ready to eat and snack on whenever you want. There are some rules to be respected for the conservation of the product.
The snack must be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. They must be integrated into a healthy and balanced diet and are not to be considered as a substitute for a healthy diet. The product is also suitable for vegetarians.
There are allergens in the snack , it is advisable to check the ingredients listed in bold on the packaging. May contain gluten, mustard, sulphites, celery, eggs. The product is available in the flavours:
- Sweet Chilli and Sour Cream;
- Salsa Barbecue.
They contain concentrated soy protein, tapioca, potato starch, soy fibre, salt, soy lecithin, potato flakes, sunflower oil, milk proteins. Customers who have tried them are satisfied. The taste is very good and the snack is very nutritious.
How to take soy protein powder?
We conclude with some interesting advice on how to take soy protein powder. As anticipated, they can be taken with the classic shaker or with tasty smoothies. Some soy protein powders are suitable as an ingredient in many tasty and healthy recipes. Look for those that are suitable for the preparation of meals and even desserts that are tasty and suitable for sportsmen.
If you don’t like the taste of soy protein powder, we have presented you with a valid alternative, the crisps from My Protein. Remember that it is important to know how and when to take protein to avoid damage to the body.
Never forget that too much protein , including protein from soy, can cause liver and kidney strain. Even too low a dose of protein can be harmful to the body and cause fatigue and loss of muscle mass.
If you are in doubt about the right amount of protein to take, ask your trusted nutritionist for help. It will help you evaluate the balance of your diet and will show you the right amount of soy protein to take to make your nutrition complete. We just have to wish you a good workout and good healthy and balanced nutrition!
She defines herself as curious by nature. In 2006 she graduated with honors in Biotechnology at the Sapienza University of Rome. Between 2005 and 2009, she carried out a university internship and research activity in the field of tumor immunotherapy. She is a co-author of three scientific publications. Since 2007 you have associated your passion for science with that for the web, starting the management of the FitnessEquilibrium.com project.