A Soy Diet - Not Just Tofu!

If you hear of someone on a soy diet, you probably immediately think "vegetarian" and conjure up pictures of a chocolate cake made of tofu. While soy tofu can certainly take nearly any form, a soy diet isn't limited to mysterious incarnations of tofu. This is a healthy alternative to animal proteins, and has benefits for everyone.

Your Heart Says Yes to Soy

A diet that features soy protein in any form is healthier for your heart. You'll never see someone keel over from a heart attack while eating a burger made of soy - but your chances for having "the big one" while you chow down on a monster-sized T-bone steak are decent. In fact, soy has a reputation for lowering artery-clogging cholesterol levels. Even a high level of triglycerides, a known precursor to diabetes, can be helped by a diet rich in soy protein.

Soy - A Girl's Best Friend?

Well, actually this is up for debate. Some studies show that a high level of soy intake can increase a woman's chances for getting breast cancer. Others disagree. It's probably a matter best left between a woman and her doctor. Other studies show that women following a soy-based diet experience fewer unpleasant menopause-related symptoms. Dieters and pregnant women who are lactose intolerant can benefit from drinking soy milk, and it comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors.

Soy May Help Protect Your Bones

Dieters often cut calcium-rich foods from their diets. This is dangerous, especially for women, because it increases the risk for osteoporosis. While eliminating ice cream, heavy cream, and whole milk is probably a smart move, dieters still need to be sure to maintain a healthy level of calcium intake. Drinking soy milk, soy protein shakes made with skim milk, or eating soybeans and tofu is a good way to get the calcium you need without the fat you don't need.

Soy Makes Dieters Smile!

Smiles aren't something you usually expect to see on the faces of dieters. But soy comes as close as anything to being the magic ingredient in desserts on the OK list. Soy, the great shape-shifter of foods, can be made into ice cream, milkshakes, nuts, even hamburgers. It might take a few servings to adjust to the new texture and slightly different taste, but it's worth it. You can easily find soy products in most grocery stores now, which means losing weight doesn't have to cost a fortune anymore, either.

All Article Text on this site is copyrighted© 2006-2007 weightcontrolroom.com All rights reserved. Do not copy.
The info on this site is for informational purposes only and not medical info in any way, see disclaimer.