We often focus on the main products and overlook the by-products when we think of food production.
Okara, the leftover pulp from soymilk production, is one such by-product that is often discarded.
However, recent research has revealed that okara is not just waste; it is a nutritional powerhouse filled with protein and dietary fiber.
Scientists were curious to explore the potential benefits of consuming a powder made from soymilk and okara on body composition and gut health in healthy Japanese adults.
The Soymilk-Okara Experiment To conduct this study, the researchers recruited 46 volunteers, with women forming the majority of the group.
Each participant was asked to consume 15 grams of soymilk-okara powder every day for a duration of 12 weeks. Throughout this period, the researchers closely monitored changes in the volunteers’ body composition.
They also collected and analyzed fecal samples before and after the 12-week period to examine the volunteers’ gut bacteria and specific molecules present.
Body Changes and Gut Health Improvements The findings of the study indicated significant improvements in the body composition of the volunteers who consumed the soymilk-okara powder daily.
On average, they gained 0.6 kg of muscle, while their body fat percentage dropped by 0.9%. Interestingly, it was observed that the more muscle a person gained, the more body fat they seemed to lose.
Moreover, the consumption of soymilk-okara powder appeared to influence the composition of gut bacteria.
The researchers observed significant shifts in the numbers of various bacterial groups, including Coriobacteriaceae, Lactobacillales, Bacteroides, and two types of Clostridium.
Additionally, the volunteers who experienced greater body fat loss also had higher levels of two specific molecules, namely acetic acid and propionic acid, in their feces.
Soymilk-Okara Powder for a Healthier Body and Gut In conclusion, the study demonstrated that incorporating soymilk-okara powder into one’s daily diet can lead to improvements in body composition by increasing muscle mass and reducing body fat.
Furthermore, it was found to impact the composition of gut bacteria, promoting a healthier gut environment.
These findings suggest that including soymilk-okara powder in your diet could help you maintain a fit body and support a healthy gut.
However, it is essential to remember that any significant changes to your diet should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
They can provide personalized guidance and ensure that incorporating soymilk-okara powder aligns with your health needs and goals.
The research was published in the journal Plant Foods for Human Nutrition, shedding light on the untapped potential of okara as a valuable nutritional resource.
If you care about wellness, please read studies that eating nuts may help reduce risks of gut lesions and cancer, and how tea and coffee influence your risk of high blood pressure.
For more information about health, please see recent studies about plant nutrients that could help reduce high blood pressure, and these antioxidants could help reduce dementia risk.
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