“ In
the battle of soy protein vs whey protein there are many people
that really just want to know which is better for them, and for those
that are looking at building muscle, which protein is going to help
them the most.”
First understanding what the difference between soy proteins vs whey
proteins is important.
Whey protein comes from cow’s milk, usually a by-product of
cheese. There are two proteins in milk casein and whey. Of the two the
whey is the more soluble of the proteins and is considered to be a
higher quality protein. Whey protein has for a long time been
considered to be the most nutritious protein there was.
Soy protein is made from leguminous soybeans. Soybeans have been a part
of the food chain for more then 5000 years. Therefore soy protein is
not a newly created protein, it is however the only plant protein
available that is considered a protein of high quality. This
qualification would first make the battle of soy protein vs whey
protein somewhat equal. Standard wise they are both high quality
proteins.
Soy protein however offers all of the essential amino acids in the
proper ratios to help ensure growth and development. Soy also contains
a number of other needed nutrients. These include the full B-complex
vitamins, potassium, Vitamin E, iron and zinc. Soy proteins are high in
Arginine and glutamine; these are two amino acids that are essential to
the muscles. Arginine helps to stimulate muscle growth and formation
and the glutamine is needed during times of metabolic stress.
Whey proteins are high in branched chain amino acids, which are needed
for energy while you are exercising. From this vantage point it would
seem that using the two proteins together would be advantageous to
building muscle and supporting the body during exercise.
Contrary to popular belief among men in the body building industry, soy
proteins have not been shown to decrease testosterone levels and cause
a feminization of the body making it more difficult to build muscle.
Numerous studies have actually not only shown the soy protein is as
effective as whey protein but that it may even be better for not only
building muscle but retaining it.
The American College of Sports Medicine published a study in 2004 that
showed that after a workout those that consumed is nitrogenous and
isoenergetic soy drinks had a dramatic impact on muscle strength and
fat-bone free mass. The soy protein stopped the two negative effects
that bodybuilding has on the muscles and supported muscle hypertrophy.
Where does this leave the soy protein vs whey protein
battle? Both soy
protein and whey protein are equally effective in building lean muscle
mass. The soy protein however offers the muscles support after the
workout and helps you maintain your muscle mass. Soy proteins also
offer you the perfect ratio of all the amino acids your body needs for
growth and development.