http://www.revivalsoy.com/whysoy/article.html?flash6=yes&article=energy&pid=22444
Soy protein has key nutritional qualities that support energy, stamina, and sports performance (better lean muscle mass, endurance and recovery time).(1-3)
Soy protein is rich in “branched-chain amino acids” which the body can burn as “fuel” to produce energy.
- As a complete protein, soy helps to build and maintain lean muscle mass.
-Soy may help stimulate the release of certain anabolic hormones that promote muscle formation.
-Soy may help sustain endurance levels during exercise.
-Soy may help improve recovery time and reduce post-exercise fatigue.
-Soy helps support a healthy cardiovascular system (critical for exercising or an active lifestyle).
Evidence from recent clinical trials suggests that soy may have added exercise benefits compared to other protein sources, in particular whey protein (a popular protein among many athletes). Researchers from Ohio State University have just completed a study examining the effect of soy protein on muscle weight gain and “antioxidant status”.(4) A higher antioxidant status means that your body is able to better neutralize free radicals. Free radicals produced during exercise are harmful to muscle and other tissues.
In the study, men taking part in a weight training class were given protein bars containing either soy protein or whey protein (33 grams/day) for 9 weeks. The men consuming soy protein maintained a healthy antioxidant status, while the antioxidant status of men consuming whey protein actually worsened. By reducing free radical production during exercise, soy protein may help lessen muscle damage and fatigue. Both protein sources increased muscle mass of the men.
Another recent study tested the effects of soy protein and whey protein on “lipid peroxides” (higher levels are considered worse), in men performing moderate intensity, weight resistance exercise.(5) This study also compared soy to whey protein (men consumed 40 grams/day for 4 weeks prior to each exercise session). Lipid peroxide levels were reduced in the soy protein group as early as 5 minutes after the exercise session, while peroxide levels were not reduced until 24 hours after exercise in the whey protein group.
In summary, these new studies demonstrate that soy protein can help build muscle mass similar to more commonly used protein sources. However, soy protein provides the added benefit of reducing oxidative stress through the antioxidants naturally present in soy (isoflavones and saponins).
Numerous studies indicate that soy isoflavones may be responsible for soy’s antioxidant properties.(6) Isoflavones are not found in whey protein or other common protein sources. Revival’s patented natural concentration provides 160 milligrams of soy isoflavones in just 1 bar or shake (the amount found in 6 cups of a typical soymilk) giving you an easy and convenient way to enjoy the protein and antioxidants beneficial to any exercise program.