Soy Protein? Good for you?

Question
Greetings.

My grandmother had a gastric bypass surgery several months ago, and is drinking whey protein shakes. That's all she's allowed. While shopping with her for some protein powder, I found packets of Spiru-Tein, a "high protein energy meal". I picked up a few, mostly because at work, I rarely get a break, so I have learned to chug slim-fast and other meal-in-a-liquid shakes while working.

Anyway, I was wondering how this affects the body, and the pros and cons of such an item. My grandmother drinks only the shakes, on orders from her doctor, but I'm not sure how that would affect her health. So I guess my question is, is soy protein good for you? I don't care so much if it's good for weight loss or anything, but do they make a mostly-complete nutritional meal? Also, does soy protein interact at all with any medicines or health disorders?

Many thanks for your time,
Amanda

Answer
Hello Amanda!

   Thank you for your nutrition question. Soy products should not interact with medicines however, some people do have allergies to soy.  The FDA has approved the claim that 25grams of soy products daily can be beneficial to heart health. A yearlong review of the available human studies in 1999 prompted FDA to allow a health claim on food labels stating that a daily diet containing 25 grams of soy protein, also low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease.

Not only does the soybean contain more protein than other plants, the protein it contains is of higher quality as well. Plus, the soybean is the only plant source of protein considered a "complete protein", meaning that it not only provides all the essential amino acids your body must get from food, but these essential amino acids are also in the right balance to meet human needs.

For more answers to your nutrition questions check out "Ask the Nutritionists" by George Rapitis at www.authorhouse.com or your favorite bookstore.

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com  

1. Prev:how
2. Next:Weight loss conundrum