One study of post-menopausal woman who consumed 100mg of soy isoflavones each day saw a reduction in fasting blood sugar levels by 15% and insulin levels by 23%. The digestibility of the protein in soya, which refers to how well our body can use the protein, is good, with some studies suggesting it may even be comparable to that of animal protein. Soya, including tofu, is a useful source of plant protein, providing all nine of the essential amino acids we need for growth, repair and functions like immunity. Regular consumption of legumes, including soya, is linked to a lower risk of heart disease this is thought to be because they are a rich source of phytochemicals as well as fibre. Studies suggest this includes a reduction in low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the type often referred to as ‘bad’ cholesterol, as well as total cholesterol. Regularly eating foods rich in isoflavones, like tofu, has been associated with reduced cholesterol levels. Genetics, your gut microbiota and environmental factors play a huge part in how our bodies react to certain foods, so as yet we can’t say whether a diet rich in phyto-estrogenic foods is beneficial for all women. Isoflavones are also often described as being phyto-oestrogens this means they mimic a weak form of the hormone oestrogen in the body and some women find it helps with peri-menopausal symptoms such as poor mood and hot flushes. Soya beans are especially rich in isoflavones and provide other active plant compounds, such as saponins. It’s this oxidative stress that's involved in both aging and the onset of a number of chronic diseases. Soy products like tofu contain natural compounds called isoflavones these are powerful antioxidants and as such help minimise the damage known as oxidative stress done by molecules called free radicals. Calcium levels of tofu vary, so check labels and look for a product that's ‘calcium set’ – this means calcium chloride (E509) or calcium sulphate (E516) has been added to the product.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |