Whey Protein vs. Soy Protein

Protein: we all need a continuous supply. Bodybuilders and athletes can’t live without it. As our society becomes more health conscious we are increasingly careful about what goes into our bodies. Good health begins with diet. For millennia the primary source of protein for most humans has been animal protein. This still holds true today, only that the only protein most of us digest comes from animals and animals alone. However doctors are concerned about the side effects excessive amounts of animal protein because of the high concentrations of fat that are associated with high blood pressure, diseases that affect the heart and high cholesterol among other problems. This is not to say that animal protein itself is all bad. But it is healthy to know that there are other valuable protein sources besides meats and dairy products. For example whey and soy are two great sources of the much needed protein our bodies need.

We will begin with the differences of Whey Protein vs. Soy Protein.

Soy Protein

Soybeans are packed full of protein and offer a hefty amount of amino acids. Soy is considered a complete source of protein. Because of this, soy is a great source of protein for vegetarians or people that want to decrease their amount of meat consumption. A quality of soy is that it has been shown to lower cholesterol. According to the American Heart Association 25 to 50 grams of soy protein each day can actually decrease the chances of developing heart disease. Other research has shown that soy may prevent breast cancer and osteoporosis. For women, this is great news. But soy is not a man’s best friend. Not at all.

The fact is: soy is loaded with estrogen. When consumed on a regular basis, especially in high doses, soy products can cause some major changes in a male. There are essentially two drugs within soy products: daidzein and genistein. So similar in nature to estrogen, these two ingredients are referred to as phytoestrogens which are plant-based estrogens. Among the side effects that a man can experience from too much estrogen is sensitivity to the chest area, changes in emotions, and adverse sexual performance, basically a decrease in libido. It can also cause infertility in men. Physical changes can occur as well, with one such condition called gynecomastia – which is a profound growth of mammary glands in males due to abnormal amounts of estrogen. In layman terms: it causes a man to grow breasts.

Whey Protein

Whey protein is the highest quality of protein available, and an essential source of amino acids. It is derived from milk; more precisely whey is a by-product of cheese processed from milk. There are two types of whey protein, concentrate and isolate. Whey concentrate is about three quarters of pure protein in weight. On the other hand, whey isolate is an even purer form of whey protein. Fat and lactose are removed in the processing of whey isolate, and the result is a product of roughly 90% pure protein. This is a great option for people who are concerned about the fat concentrations associated in animal protein.

What is whey protein used for?

Compared to other forms of protein, whey protein is the absolute best. Whey protein provides the body with essential amino acids for building lean muscle, boosting strength, and decreasing muscle recovery time. For bodybuilders and professional athletes, whey is the most important element to their diets, making them bigger, stronger, and faster. Medical studies are continuously being conducted on whey and its benefits in other areas of bodily health. Some of the applications include weight loss, including cancer treatment.

What are the benefits of whey protein?

1. Increases Muscle Mass Fast
2. Decreases Muscle Recovery Time
3. No estrogen

Are there side effects associated with whey protein?

What are the side effects of whey protein?

There have been no reports of side effects. However if a person is allergic to dairy products they should consult with a medical profession prior to adding whey protein to their diet. Proper hydration is most important because it takes a lot of water in the body to metabolize whey protein.

Pros of soy protein

1. Price
2. Fat Content

Cons of soy protein

1. Produces high amounts of estrogen which has adverse effects on men
2. Unfermented soy products such as soy milk and soy protein supplements contain high amounts of toxins, specifically phytic acid, therefore soy should not be consumed in high quantities.

Pros of whey protein

1. Builds muscle fast
2. Easily assimilated in the body
3. Helps balance blood sugar levels
4. Increases energy levels
5. Increases metabolism
6. Faster muscle repair

Cons of whey protein

1. Typically higher in cost for high quality whey protein
2. Taste can be an issue