Soy generation: who benefits from the health benefits of fake meat
Soy products cannot replace natural meat, but they can supplement and improve the diet. For example, doctors believe that food from legumes should be present in the menu of women of elegant age - thanks to plant estrogens, such food prolongs youth. But whether tofu cheese can radically affect the hormonal background and why some representatives of the modern generation are called soy - in the material "Izvestia".
Vegetable protein
Nutritionist-gastroenterologist Elvira Belyova emphasizes that soy is one of the few plant products containing all nine essential amino acids, which makes it a complete protein. This property is of particular importance for vegetarians and vegans, as different plant proteins have different amino acid profiles. However, despite the high quality of soy protein, it is still lower in composition than animal protein.
- This is why nutritionists talk about the importance of a varied and balanced diet. Simply put, your plate should contain animal proteins (fish, poultry, meat) and vegetable proteins (beans, tofu, naturally fermented soy sauce)," comments a dietitian-gastroenterologist.
Soy is also considered a source of vitamins and minerals - it contains B vitamins, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium and other important trace elements.
- Regular consumption of soy products can help lower "bad" cholesterol (LDL) and improve overall cardiovascular health. And the calcium and isoflavones found in fortified soy products may play a role in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis," explains Elvira Belyova.
Elena Taranova, Associate Professor, Candidate of Agricultural Sciences, Head of the Department of Grain, Baking and Confectionery Technologies of ROSBIOTECH University, advises to take into account the individual characteristics of the body and consult with experts before changing the usual diet, if a person decided to bet on soy products. For example, without consulting a doctor, it is not recommended to consume soy for those who have thyroid diseases. Soy products contain isoflavones, which can inhibit (suppress) the activity of enzymes necessary for iodine absorption. This is especially significant for people with inadequate iodine intake.
- Phytates in soy can bind to minerals such as iron, zinc, and calcium, resulting in reduced bioavailability. In other words, high consumption of soy products may result in reduced absorption of these micronutrients from other food sources," continues Elena Taranova.
Experts advise to take into account that soy is one of the main food allergens, so some people should avoid its consumption. According to Elena Taranova, allergic reactions to soy are also quite common, manifesting as skin rashes, digestive problems and even anaphylaxis - an acute, life-threatening allergic reaction.
- Among the negatives is the fact that most of the world's soy is genetically modified. This raises concerns among some consumers about possible harm to health and the environment," comments Elvira Belyova.
Female hormones
Lyubov Erofeeva, a gynecologist and senior lecturer at the Medical Faculty of Synergy University, considers soy products to be the best way to maintain women's health in adulthood. Firstly, easily digestible vegetable protein is useful for humans. Secondly, soybeans contain phytoestrogen isoflavone, which is an analog of female sex hormones. This substance is in many combinations of drugs, bads and vitamin-mineral complexes, which are prescribed as hormone replacement therapy.
- In premenopause, menopause, postmenopause, the female body is no longer able to produce the proper level of estrogen. Gradually, the ovaries decline. There is no other way, except for external consumption through food and medical prescription drugs," explains Lyubov Erofeeva.
Hormone therapy is conducted by a doctor, selecting doses individually. But with soy products everything is much easier - the body will take phytoestrogens as much as it needs, emphasizes the expert. You can cook soybean soup, eat soybean sprouts, include in the diet products from other legumes - lentil chowder, red and white beans in any form.
All of these foods are best suited for mature women and are seen as a supplement to the diet. Experts stipulate that we are not talking about such a specific product as soy sauce.
- This sauce is often added to various dishes to give them a savory flavor, but it is not a source of nutrients. Due to its high sodium content, it should be used with caution, especially for people with high blood pressure, " warns Elena Taranova.
But soy steaks, milk and cheese are quite suitable for a healthy diet.
- It does not make sense to completely replace the meat diet with such products. But it would not hurt women to include soy delicacies in the menu or "sit" on them for a day or two for a change," says Lyubov Erofeeva.
Tofu and falafel
What products are most preferable, and what should not be abused? According to the scientist, tofu is universal and easily adaptable to different recipes due to its neutral flavor. The product is rich in protein and calcium, making it a good option for vegetarian menus.
- Edamame - young green soy beans - are rich in fiber, vitamin K and folic acid. They are ideal as an appetizer or side dish. Falafel and hummus made from soybeans are popular in Middle Eastern cuisine as sources of protein and healthy fats. But falafel is usually deep-fried, and therefore the calorie content of dishes with it is higher, whereas hummus is more dietary," says Elena Taranova.
The expert believes that the use of soy products several times a week will contribute to diversity and balance in the diet. But again, it is important to consider individual needs and preferences. It is better to choose foods low in saturated fat and without added trans fats. It is also important to look out for a balance of nutrients.
- For example, soy patties contain protein similar in quality to animal protein, as well as fiber, vitamins and minerals. However, it is important that they are supplemented with essential nutrients such as iron and vitamin B12, which are commonly found in meat. From an environmental point of view, the production of soy products requires fewer resources and has a smaller carbon footprint compared to meat production," comments the expert.
And while soy patties can provide variety in the diet, they should be eaten in moderation to avoid excessive intake of sodium and added preservatives.
- Soy milk is heavily used in the diet of vegetarians, vegans and those with intolerances or allergies to certain foods and their ingredients. Such milk is high in protein while having minimal saturated fat, making it beneficial for the cardiovascular system. It is excellent for the diets of people with lactose deficiency, as there is no animal milk sugar in its composition," says Taranova.
The expert emphasizes that soy milk is versatile in its use - it is added to a variety of recipes, from smoothies and porridge to baked goods and soups.
- Often producers enrich soy milk with vitamin D and calcium, but even enriched soy milk has less calcium than ordinary cow's milk. Some types of soy milk may contain added sugars, stabilizers and flavorings that reduce its nutritional value and decrease its health benefits," says the associate professor.
Eating soy products is believed to aid digestion and support gut health. Soy also has antioxidants such as isoflavones, which are involved in fighting oxidative stress and slowing down the aging process of cells.
- It is important to keep a variety in your diet and take into account your body's individual needs. If you consume soy products in moderate quantities and subject them to heat treatment, they can be part of a balanced diet without harm to health," continues Taranova.
The expert emphasizes that the effect depends on the overall diet, health and lifestyle. Regular consumption of soy products can be beneficial, but is not the only factor affecting health.
Soy Zoomers
The adjective "soy" has recently become synonymous with the pampering of the modern generation. Witters use such a concept as a replacement of something bright, brutal with analogs devoid of this brutality - as in the case of replacing real steak with soy, characterized by a bland flavor.
This is most often the name given to guys who lack brutality and who prefer the soy milk latte that has become a meme.
However, Lyubov Erofeeva does not connect the amorphousness of young men with natural estrogens, allegedly affecting the hormonal background.
- Pampered young men were in any era. Fearing that a man will change under the influence of plant estrogen from soy products is definitely not something to be concerned about. The male organism with an established hormonal background will reject anything that is not peculiar to it," reassures Lyubov Erofeeva.
By the way, the doctor draws attention to the fact that the famous "beer belly" and roundness of men appear not at all from natural estrogens contained in the famous drink. The danger is the calories, which are rich in beer - they are the ones who provoke unwanted changes.
- Excess calories contribute to the deposition of an increased amount of fat in the abdomen, and any fat produces estrogens. Soy products are not so caloric, so they do not pose a danger to brutals, and the natural estrogens they contain, I repeat, have no effect on the hormonal background," comments the expert.
And from the point of view of sexology nutrition does not affect the behavior of young people, who are called the soy generation. The choice of fashionable food and drinks, as well as image and type, is determined by a whole complex of features and character traits.
- Usually, human behavior is first of all determined by such a biological feature as temperament. Such "soy" types belong to melancholics or phlegmatic, who in general are always very calm and as if passive. They do not have a buzzing vitality like a sanguine or a choleric," comments sexologist and psychiatrist Alexei Vilkov.
The "soy" also includes a type called psychasthenic - more infantile, not showing any great vitality. According to the sexologist, such young people are characterized by emotional immaturity - infantilism. Usually in the norm it is manifested in adolescents, and as they grow up, it comes to naught. But sometimes the period of infantilism can be prolonged until 21-25 years old, and in extreme cases up to 30 years old.
The expert emphasizes that such people prefer a passive position, do not seek a career and relationships. They are interested in entertainment or idle pastime, in particular, in coffee shops and other similar establishments. As for the sexual sphere, there may be an inherently biologically low level of sexual constitution. In this case, according to Vilkov, the low need for intimate relationships keeps a young person from searching activity - dating, socializing and seduction.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
