The importance of protein for optimal health cannot be overstated. Our bodies require 20 amino acids to facilitate the production of protein for the repair of cells and tissues. Protein is also required for the manufacture of CP-450, a protective enzyme that acts as a free radical scavenger and decreases the risk of breast cancer.

Of the 20 amino acids we need, 12 are synthesized by the liver and the remaining eight must be obtained from our food. These are called “essential.” The richest sources of amino acids include legumes, fresh fish, free-range poultry, eggs, nuts, seeds, fermented soy, whey protein and fermented dairy products. Inadequate protein consumption is linked to many conditions, such as:

• osteoporosis
• a weak immune system
• fragile, soft nails
• thinning hair
• wrinkled skin
• lack of muscle tone, sagging chin
• breast cancer
• edema
• urinary incontinence
• hormonal dysfunction
• heart problems
• poor wound healing
• increased aging
• hypoglycemia
• poor digestion (protein is required for the manufacture of enzymes)
• depression due to a lack of serotonin.

Women rarely get enough protein in their diets due to calorie restrictions. As a result, I have formulated a protein drink especially for women called Sisu Women’s Whey, which contains whey powder and fermented soy.

Burns Fat

We know that eating protein several times throughout the day keeps us alert and full of energy. Best of all, it keeps our fat- burning furnace revved up. A high-protein meal can enhance your metabolic rate to burn more fat.

Builds Bones

Soy and whey proteins are both important foods in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Soy in particular has been shown to increase both bone density and bone mineral content in the lumbar spine. Researchers also believe that soy may also inhibit bone breakdown. Another excellent benefit of soy and whey is that both are relatively high in calcium and magnesium, which are important for bone health.

Nails, Hair and Aging Skin

Protein and collagen are the nutrients that make strong nails and gorgeous thick, shiny hair. They keep our muscles from sagging, which causes that double-chin and wrinkled skin we all abhor.

Hot Flash About Soy

A study published in Obstetrics and Gynecology found that soy protein isolate powder was significantly superior to placebo in reducing the number of hot flashes that menopausal women suffer. Women taking soy had a 26 percent reduction in the number of hot flashes by the third week and a 33 percent reduction by week four. By the end of 12 weeks, women taking the soy had a 45 percent reduction in hot flashes.

Why Fermented Soy?

Non-fermented soybeans contain enzyme inhibitors that can block protein absorption. They also contain hemagglutin, known to decrease the ability of red blood cells to properly absorb oxygen and distribute it through the body. When soybeans are naturally fermented, as found in tempeh, miso, tofu and fermented soy powder, the fermentation process deactivates hemagglutin and enhances absorption of protein and isoflavone. Traditional Asian diets contain mainly fermented soy foods. Fermented soy powders also provide more absorbable forms (alglycone forms) of the isoflavones genistein and daidzein. A study published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association compared the effects of consuming fermented soy to unfermented soy. Their conclusion: fermented soy provided an increase in the availability and absorption of the soy isoflavones.

Lorna VanderHaeghe is the co-author of the best-selling book The Immune System Cure and the author of Health Immunity, Scientifically Proven Natural Remedies for Conditions from A-Z.