Soy Protein Powder: Does It Work?

When it comes to working out, images of muscular men chomping down on raw steaks and swallowing eggs whole still come to mind for some people but that’s not the only way to boost your protein.

Whey protein and casein protein are the most common forms of protein supplements out there, but soy protein powders are becoming more and more popular. Even popular supplement manufacturers have released Soy Protein supplements.

Many athletes and bodybuilders are looking for alternative sources of protein, so they can build stronger, more defined muscles without the use of whey or other animal protein products.

Soy protein powder is receiving a lot of attention with its 6.25 grams of protein per serving and less than 3 grams of fat, yet is it a reliable as a source of protein?

Benefits of Soy Protein

Soy protein is extracted from a legume that contains no cholesterol and provides all eight essential amino acids (rare for a plant). Additionally, soybeans are a good source of fiber, iron, calcium, zinc, and vitamin B, making it one of the best foods for maintaining healthy bones and muscle tissues.

In more than 50 studies on soy, results have shown that this unique plant can dramatically lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Additional benefits of taking soy protein powder on a regular basis include the following:

Whey Protein vs. Soy Protein

In a study published by the Journal of Nutrition, 90 overweight and middle-aged participants were divided into three groups. The first group was asked to drink protein made with whey, the second with soy, and the third with carbohydrates. Additionally, the three groups ate roughly the same number of average calories.

The results?

After six months, those who had the carbohydrates gained about 2 pounds, most of which was fat. Those who drank soy stayed about the same weight as when they started. And those who drank whey actually lost a bit of weight and body fat.

This study shows both Whey protein and soy protein have different benefits. While Soy protein may not help with as much weight loss it remains a good source of protein for burning fat and sustaining muscle.

Soy for Building Muscles

Many are under the false impression that the phytoestrogens (plant imitations of the female hormone) will suppress testosterone levels and make it difficult to build lean muscle.

Studies show this is false.

In a 2006 study conducted by Dillingham, evidence has shown that consuming soy does not reduce testosterone concentrations and has no effect on testosterone levels. In fact, consuming soy on a regular basis can actually decrease the risk of prostate cancer.

Additionally, in another 2006 study (conducted by Candow), protein supplementation was shown to increase muscle size and strength no matter where it came from, animal or otherwise.

According to Jeff Potteiger, an exercise Physiologist at Miami University, “As a protein source, soy ranks at the top of the list. But no need to take massive doses of soy protein supplements or [soy protein] powder to build more muscle. Eating a soy burger, a handful of soy nuts, or a soy smoothie after a weight training session is plenty to help repair muscle.”

Need more convincing?

The American College of Sports Medicine found that the post-workout consumption of soy was statistically significant for increasing muscle mass, fat-bone free mass, and strength, and it exhibited similar efficacy to skim milk and other post-workout formulations.

Final Thoughts

While whey is typically considered the “best of the best” when it comes to building muscle, soy protein powder is definitely a close second, and considering the fact that it provides additional benefits alongside the ability to build muscle, taking soy on a regular basis is one of the healthiest ways to sculpt a better body.