Men ’ s Health : Natural health approaches for better prostate health
isoflavones and estrogen exert different physiologic effects and the molecules are different , too . Isoflavones can affect selective tissue due to the binding and transactivation of the estrogen receptor beta .
Soy foods are extremely useful in helping men meet their protein requirements while providing low levels of saturated fat . In fact , soy foods can be provided as protein-rich options . Evidence indicates that there is reduced stress on the kidneys and they may be more beneficial over other proteins by reducing exercise-induced oxidation and inflammation . This means that soy protein can be useful for those who wish to increase muscle mass .
Phytosterols The oil of the Soybean contains approximately 300 to 400 mg of plant sterols per 100 g . The major components of soy sterols are sitosterol ( 53 to 56 %), campesterol ( 20 to 23 %) and stigmasterol ( 17 to 21 %). These phytosterols differ from cholesterol in the side chain structure . Sterols are different from stanols in terms of being unsaturated versus saturated at the C5-C6 double bond in their B-ring . They are proven to have cholesterol-lowering activity , although there is still some confusion as to why .
Phospholipids The oil of the Soybean contains 1-3 % phospholipids among which 35 % is phosphatidyl choline , 25 % is phosphatidyl ethanolamine , ~ 15 % is phosphatidyl inositol and ~ 5-10 % is phosphatidic acid . During the degumming process , phospholipids are removed from the oil and then used as a natural food emulsifier . These are polar lipids , contributing to the structure of the cell membrane .
Saponins There is currently much scientific interest in saponins as they have unique chemical structures and physiological functions . Soybeans contain 2 % saponins ( triterpene glycosides ). Soy saponins are found to have various biological effects , including anti-cancer , anti-oxidative , hepatoprotective , anti-hyperlipidemic , etc .
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