With
today’s hectic lifestyle, everything being on the fast track, nobody seems to
be having enough time; it starts with the school going children to their
working parents. A quick bite from the nearest
fast food joint has become the most convenient option. More and more of
us our taking resort of the packaged food or some kind of quick meals that is
available out there. Often it goes in our children’s tiffin boxes too. Our
older teenagers and young adults buys food either from their school canteens or
some of their favourite hangouts. As a result we are consuming food which is
high is carbohydrate and fat.
The statistics of
Obesity, heart diseases, Hypertension, Cholesterol problem Diabetes has gone up
over the years. According to WHO every fifth child in our country is either
overweight or obese. Can you see the future of our country? We need healthy
generation to lead India. Are we doing anything about it? it is our
responsibility to bring the awareness of good food habits. And lets start it
from our home. Lets talk about Soya as one of the food item that could be
introduced in our diet. Here are some of the Goodness of Soya –A Gift from
Nature to Mankind.
Soy protein isolates are highly digestible
source of Amino Acids. Once protein is consumed it is broken down into
individual amino acids, which forms helpful antibodies and enzymes. Human
requires 20 different amino acids for various body functions, 11 are produced
by our bodies and the 9 remaining amino acids needs to be obtained from the
food we take. Hence it is known as essential amino acids. Soy protein provides
all the 9 amino acids making it a complete protein.
Soy Protein offers a variety of health
benefits. This is the only vegetarian food which resembles close to meat
protein. The calcium in Soy is readily absorbed by the body. It is a very good
source of minerals like copper and magnesium. A wide range of vitamins too is
present in soya especially some of the B vitamins such as Niacin, Pyridoxine
and Folacin.
Some
of the Health Benefits that it may provide:
Weight Management: Soy contains Lecithin, which may help in
getting rid of cellulite. Prevents the body from storing unnecessary fat. It
has a high content of fiber which may help in increasing the BMR hence the body
burns fat faster and also effectively. As it has a low glycemic index, it helps
to keep satiated for a longer period of time and also keeps the hunger pangs in
check.
Pregnancy: Regular consumption of Soy protein may add
to the chance of normal delivery, and also provide the necessary vitamins and
minerals to the mother. It is good for the overall health of both the mother
and child. It may also increase the nutritive value of other food and improves
the immune system aswell.
Breast Cancer: Soy protein contains phytochemicals that
may help in reducing growth of some cancer cells, mainly breast and the
prostrate ones. Many studies has shown that people on high soy protein diet are
less susceptible to breast and prostrate cancer.
Osteoporosis: As Soya food are high in Calcium,
Magnesium and Boron that is crucial for bone health, prevents bone loss.
Therefore older people and also those who do not consume good calcium
substitute on a regular basis need to introduce some form of quality soy
protein supplements in their food which may be beneficial.
Heart Health: As Soy protein is a complete protein that
as all essential Amino Acids. It may reduce the risk of heart attacks and
provide many other Cardio Vascular benefits as well. Many studies conducted on
Soy proved that Soy protein helps in maintaining the normal Cholesterol level
and also helps in lowering the level of LDL (Low Density Lipoprotein) which is
the bad cholesterol. Skin& Hair& Nails: Multiple
studies has shown that soy protein can help in softening the skin and makes
skin, nails and hair healthier.
Antioxidant Property: Its Antioxidant property can neutralise
free radicals formed in the body.
Research is still on to find out more about
these wonder beans ”The Magic Beans” Soybeans . It may also have beneficial effect
on fertility, Thyroid function, Colon and Digestive Tract and Kidney health.
