Protein Power?

The Mighty Soybean!

There are 20 common amino acids – or building blocks – that make up protein in our bodies and in food. Eight to ten of these are considered essential, meaning our bodies can’t make them. We only get them from food.

For years, conventional wisdom has been that only animal foods, such as beef, chicken, and eggs contain all essential amino acids. In truth, plants can contain all of the essential amino acids too. In particular, the soybean contains the full complement of amino acids, making it unique among plant protein sources!

Simply put, soy makes an excellent replacement for meat, when people either don’t want to eat meat or are looking for ways to reduce their meat intake as part of a healthy lifestyle.

References:

1.     Michelfelder AJ. Soy: a complete source of protein. Am Fam Physician. 2009;79:43-7.