The steady growth of the worldwide population combined with socio-economic developments including surging incomes of people has fostered the demand for protein sources. Protein’s contribution to healthy aging is now being recognized among many. An average person requires nearly 8g of protein for every 10kg of body weight.
With consumers becoming increasingly conscious of what they purchase, most businesses are following suit. The bullwhip impact of soybean production along with the mounting environmental concerns associated with the agriculture processes have bolstered the growth rate of the global food tech industry.
Escalating consumer demand for better transparency with the quality and traceability of consumables as well as the advances in the texture and taste of mycoproteins promotes soy protein as a highly sustainable solution.
What is Soy Protein?
Soy protein can be described as a protein completely isolated from soybeans. It is sourced from soybeans that have been dehulled and then defatted. These types of soybeans are then processed into three major commercial high-protein products, namely concentrates, isolates, and soy flour.
Soy protein is mostly concentrated in many protein bodies, estimated to have nearly 60% to 70% of the overall soybean protein. Upon its germination, the protein is then digested, with the released amino acids then transported to areas where seedlings grow.
What are the Major Types of Soy Proteins?
Soy proteins come under three major categories, which are –
Textured Soy Proteins
This type is derived from soy protein concentrate, generally developed from animal-based sources. It’s mostly used for enhancing the texture as well as the nutritional content of dishes. Other than being extremely rich in protein and fiber and nutritious, it also improves heart health while protecting against stroke and heart disease.
Soy Protein Concentrate
Soy protein concentrate contains around 70% soy protein and is a primarily defatted version of soy flour with no water-soluble carbohydrates. It is developed by the removal of the part of carbohydrates from dehulled as well as defatted soybeans.
Soy protein concentrate is able to retain the majority of the fiber content of the original soybean. It is extensively used as a nutritional or functional ingredient in various food products, but mostly in breakfast cereals, some meat products, and baked foods. This type is also used in poultry and meat products to boost fat and water retention and enhance nutritional values (which means less fat, and more protein).
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Soy protein concentrates come in several forms, such as flour, spray-dried, and granules. Since they are easily digestible, they are great for pregnant women, lactating women, the elderly, and children. They also find use in pet foods, milk replacements for human babies as well as livestock), and in a few non-food applications.
Soy Protein Isolate
Soy protein isolate can be described as a highly purified or refined version of soy protein with a very low protein content of around 90% that is moisture-free. It is developed using defatted soy flour with most of the fats, carbohydrates, and nonprotein components removed. Owing to this, soy protein isolate generally has a neutral flavor and leads to less flatulence compared to soy flours. These are mostly utilized to elevate the texture of a variety of meat products but also help enhance the protein content, augment moisture retention, and act as an emulsifier.
The purified form of soy protein isolate has a number of uses in the food industry. Sometimes, it is available in pharmacies inside supermarkets, or health stores. It is sometimes available as a combination with other food ingredients.
What are the Health Benefits of Soy Proteins?
Soy protein is vastly used as a substitute for animal-based proteins. It is a hit not only among vegetarians and vegans but also non-vegetarians, who can consume it based on its health benefits without any compromise on taste. The really long list of soy protein’s health benefits is as follows:
Reduction in Cholesterol Level
Soy proteins help bring down bad cholesterol levels, also called LDL cholesterol. It balances out the LDL cholesterol level without affecting the good cholesterol level aka HDL cholesterol.
Prevents Risk of Heart Diseases
Consuming soy protein helps bring down the overall level of cholesterol as well as triglycerides, in turn reducing the risk of heart diseases. The inclusion of soy proteins in a regular diet ensures a healthy heart. It not only lowers cholesterol but also facilitates healthy veins and enhances blood flow to the heart.
Controls Diabetes and Obesity
Soy proteins bring down blood sugar and also cut down the total body weight. They facilitate insulin production in the body to curb high blood sugar. Therefore, soybeans remain the best source for diabetics.
Improved Skin
Soy proteins are used in a variety of lotions and cosmetics as they help moisturize the skin. They also even out the skin tone by bringing down pigmentation generally caused due to sun exposure as well as hormonal changes. Soy proteins render shiny and flawless skin.
Energy Booster
It has extremely high levels of essential amino acids, especially in tofu and soy milk. These essential amino acids are then converted into energy by the body.
A Perfect Substitute for Meat Protein
For ideal plant-based proteins, soy proteins are the top choice. These are a great alternative to proteins present in meat. Soy protein products can also be used for replacing animal-based foods with high-saturated fatty acids.
Better Muscle Growth
Daily consumption of soy proteins helps bring down the breaking down of the body’s lean muscles while promoting muscle growth. various studies have shown that soy helps foster muscle protein synthesis to enhance muscle strength as well as mass.
Cancer Prevention
Genistein, an important phytochemical present in soy cuts down the chances of cancer. Genistein curbs the development of cancer by preventing tumors.
Reduction in Menopausal Symptoms
Soy has plant estrogens also known as ‘soy isoflavones, which are a lot like human estrogen hormone with less potency. The plant-baestrogensgens are generally used to bring down the effects of menopause in women. They protect from extreme bone calcium loss and also maintain a healthy heart.
