7 nutritious plant-based proteins
Soy
The FDA declared soy an ideal shield against heart disease in 1999, but soy has experienced criticism for its estrogen-mimicking properties, and tendency to be genetically modified and allergenic. But are the bygone soy-crazed days really over? Not so, says a report from Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Soy’s international market could be worth $42.3 billion by 2015.
While nutritionists agree seeking “whole soy” products like edamame, tofu, and soy nuts are the best ways to include into a diet, pioneering research suggests powders have prolonged muscle-building power when combined with whey and casein proteins—not to mention anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects too. A good rule of thumb? Always choose USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified. If it’s conventionally grown, you can bet soy is genetically modified.