When it comes to proteins, whey related products have retained a high position due to its effect on the growth of body muscles, nonetheless there are some alternatives to take into account which are just as effective as whey protein, such as soy.
Whey protein contain the perfect combo of amino-acids for building muscles and boosting the immune system. It also showed remarkable results when it comes to rapid usage of capacity, which makes it the perfect post-workout drink. When we talk about soy protein isolate vs whey protein isolate, whey is considered to be higher-ranking and superior.
Soy protein, often called as “feminine protein” due to the opinion of some that gaining muscle with soy is much harder, received lots of not so positive reviews over the last few years. So why most bodybuilding experts still recommend soy instead of whey that is believed to be much inferior? What is the difference between soy and whey protein?
Like in many researches, this story has another side too. Many scientists have been analyzing more closely at soy protein and their effect on muscle gain and testosterone and come to conclusion that soy protein are as much effective as whey protein are. What is surprising they said that in some terms, soy is even more effective, especially when it comes to promoting wins in lean mass of muscles.
In this article, we will explain why are soy supplements a legit alternative to the soy protein and its benefits for which bodybuilders love it so much.
Soy Protein
Multiple researches and studies have proved that the phytoestrogenes that can be found in soy protein contributed to the increase in the woman sex hormone estrogen and decrease in testosterone as well as it can cause low energy, infertility, hypothyroidism and digestive disturbances. Nevertheless, many researchers and scientists consider soy protein to be innocent and actually quite beneficial for lots of physical ills.
The newest research studies on soy protein conflicted the old ones proving that soy protein doesn’t increase female estrogen and decreases testosterone. Exactly the opposite, all protein supplements, whey and soy included, effects on body mass positively increasing the muscle mass and that there was no difference between soy and whey protein. They both affect the mass of the muscles in combination with workouts.
Extracted from soybean plant that have been used as food for more than five thousand years, soy is actually the only plant that is based and full of protein as well as containing all important amino acids (nine to be exact) that are needed for muscle development and growth.
Types of Soy Protein:
- Soy concentrates
- Soy flour
- Soy isolates
Whey protein
They are derived as a byproduct of cheese production and is one of 2 types of natural proteins that can be found in milk, yogurt, cheese, etc. There are many benefits of whey protein and in addition to muscle growth there are also health benefits such as suppression of appetite, inherited allergy prevention and reducing risk of cancer, heart disease and diabetes.
Types of Whey Protein:
- Hydro-isolates – Although their price is a bit higher, this is by far the most processed types where proteins have been denatured. We wouldn’t recommend this type of whey if you have the choice of buying isolates or concentrates type of whey protein.
- Isolates – In this protein the fat has been completely removed, proteins can be denatured and low on bioactive substances with milky to mid flavor.
- Concentrates – This protein contains low levels of cholesterol and fat and has high levels of lactose. We find this whey protein the best as it is less processed than other types, plus these are the most affordable ones, MFF Whey Protein 70™, for example.
Related Article: Whey Protein Isolate vs Concentrate
Combination of Soy and Whey Protein
When combined together as a bodybuilding and exercising supplement, whey and soy proteins work well together. As mentioned above, when it comes to soy protein vs whey protein, whey is high in amino acids and used as a significant source of energy that the human body needs during the workout, while soy protein is especially high in glutamine and arginine, which are amino acids as well.
In case you didn’t know, arginine is an anabolic hormone stimulant that forms muscles and glutamine is of the essence for metabolic stress (when on a strict diet plan).
Athletes and bodybuilders who use both supplements, whey and soy proteins as part of their nutrition will see its benefits. When it comes to whey vs soy protein, soy protein digest more gradually while whey protein digest much faster, which makes them the perfect combo for bodybuilders. Combined together they will provide longer release of essential amino acids to all central muscle groups.
Additionally, uptake of soy protein with healthy food provide some benefits for body’s health such as reducing the risk of prostate cancer and risk of coronary heart disease. It also helps recovery of muscles faster, especially after exercise.
Soy protein can be a great anabolic acid when used separately or in combination with whey protein in order to perk out muscle gains.
We look forward to more research that will be done in the near future to provide more benefits of both proteins, but proves that the studies presented look really good and trustworthy. Please, keep in mind that this article is not meant to single out whey protein or soy protein, neither to denounce either, but present both sides according to the newest studies in order to help our readers have more choices and be more informed on both protein supplements. We would also love to hear your stories and personal opinion and don’t forget to tag us on your protein supplements on Instagram.
