Soy Extract
Species Name: Glycine max
Also Known As: soy protein, soy protein isolate, soy isoflavones, soybean, soybean oil, soy milk,
What is soy extract? Soy extract is taken from soy beans. It can be found in powder form or liquid and capsule form. Powdered soy extract may be found in protein drinks or other nutritional supplements. Sometimes an important part of soy called isoflavones is extracted and concentrated into pill form.
Native to southeastern Asia, soy is a subtropical plant. A member of the pea family, this plant can grow to between one and five-feet tall. It produces three to five pods in clusters, with up to four soy beans in each pod. This is a major crop for many countries like the US, Brazil, China, Argentina and India.
It is also mostly self germinating and the leaves fall off before the beans are harvested. These beans are edible and they have medicinal qualities as well as being part of the food group.
Soy beans can also be fermented to make soy sauce, miso, natto, tempeh, shoyu, and many other things. Oil from the soy bean is even used in industrial applications.
Home Remedies Using Soy Extract:
Benefits of Soy Extract:
Soy has been in use for thousands of years of our history. Because of this we are able to see its long term affects on health.
For over 5,000 years soy has been not just a dietary staple in Asian countries but is considered one of the five sacred crops. It is full of protein and can serve as a replacement for meats in our diet.
Besides just being full of protein soy also has a high isoflavone content. Isoflavones are plant hormones that have been found to be able to help with the damage that is caused by free radicals. These natural, healthy components of soy may also be able to prevent bone loss and cancer.
Soy is also high in vitamin B-6 that can help with nerve and brain functions.
Some traditional uses for soy include:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Anorexia
- Bone density
- Intestinal disorders
- Cognitive function
- Anti-oxidant
Today soy extract is often recommended for women's health in the treatment of menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It can help with menstrual migraines as well.
It is believed to be beneficial in both treating and preventing several types of cancer including prostate cancer, leukemia and bladder cancer. Reduced risk of cancer was from those that consumed isoflavones from soy products.
Soy extract may also be used to treat high cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. It can act as an antioxidant and has the ability to lower LDL or "bad" cholesterol levels.
Side Effects of Soy Extract:
Soy extract may act as a food allergen in the same way as milk, eggs, peanuts, fish, and wheat. The symptoms of an allergic reaction range from a runny nose to a sudden drop in blood pressure. Eating large amounts of soy may affect thyroid function.
