First off, there’s a concept called the Biological Value Scale that was developed to measure the quality of specific proteins. It basically rates how efficiently your body will use a given protein source. The higher the BV (biological value), the more amino acids and nitrogen your body is retaining from the foods you eat. In sum, it becomes a way to measure the potential for quality muscle growth and strength.

But first a warning!This doesn't mean that all you would utilize is whey protein for all your needs. Many times bodybuilders will use a variety of proteins depending on the BV and the times of day and if they just finished a workout.

All this means is that no one protein is the best for any given time. But before I get lost... let me show you the biological value scale in a simple form.

: Biological Value RatingWhey: 106-159 Egg: 100 Cow’s Milk: 91 Fish: 83 Casein: 80 Beef: 80 Chicken: 79 Soy: 74 Wheat Gluten: 54 Kidney Beans: 49For all these reasons, you can and should see that soy protein is listed lower. That just means it’s not the most anabolic of proteins for optimal muscle growth.

This doesn't mean you shouldn't eat soy protein if you enjoy it. It simply means that barring any religious beliefs or personal preferences, soy would not be the ideal protein source for enhanced muscle gains. This doesn't mean you cannot have it or that it’s bad for you.

John Q. Public 13% body fat 184 lbs 160 lbs of LBM (lean body mass)For simplification we'll just say that for every LB of LBM (pound of lean body mass) John wants to get 1 g of protein.

Here’s where the myth and some problems come into play! Read carefully.

John also won’t be in jeopardy of losing muscle or wasting his efforts if he ingests small quantities of soy proteins because he likes them. Having soy in his cereal is not going to make a difference.

A bodybuilder that has soy will not feel any differences, be any less anabolic then another person who does not consume soy at all.

After 84 days of two groups, one totally isolated soy protein and the other on beef proteins, found a conclusion that:

"So let me summarize and review...