Soybean

Soybean is the richest source of protein amongst all legumes. In recent years a number of scientists are showing interest in soy because of its phyto chemicals and innumerable health benefits. Soybean is helpful in promoting heart health, healthy bones, preventing cancer such as prostrate, colon, breast cancers and alleviating menopausal symptoms.

Soybeans are the only vegetable source to contain high amounts of protein including all essential amino acids. They are a rich source of minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

HERE ARE SOME HEALTH BENEFITS OF SOYBEAN

♦   Soy products such as soy milk can help reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Several studies suggest that Soy isoflavones may be a factor in helping to prevent bone loss. Soybean and soy products are the richest sources of isoflavones in the human diet. So consumption of Soybean may inhibit the bone resorption and stimulate bone formation.

♦   Replacing animal protein with soy protein may also help in preventing calcium loss from your bones. It is so because diets high in animal protein cause more calcium loss through the urine. In addition, commercial soy milk is often supplemented with calcium.

♦    Soybean contains hormone substances called phyto-estrogens; which perform the same function as that of female hormone estrogen. There are many types of phyto-estrogens such as isoflavones. They are very strong anti-oxidants which can mimic the effects of estrogen, but their physiological effects are unknown. Physical inactivity coupled with work stress can leave you drained and lethargic. So you need to fix your iron levels and studies have shown that soybean as a nutrient is wonderful.

♦   Soybean has been shown to lower total cholesterol levels and provide protection against coronary heart disease. The cholesterol lowering benefits of eating soy foods may be improved if the total diet is high in carbohydrates. 25g of soy protein per day reduces the risk of heart disease. This seems to help with breakdown of isoflavones. Most soy foods are low in saturated and trans fats.

♦    Soy is one of the foods that supply nutrients that are needed to decrease inflammation. Substantial studies have shown that soy protein and its isoflavones have broad anti-inflammatory effects that can dampen the vascular inflammation and decrease the production of inflammatory substances.

♦    Genistein in soy have shown promising results in inhibiting the HIV infection. Although soy is rich in genistein, it is yet to be confirmed whether the amount of genistein consumed from eating soy is sufficient to inhibit HIV.

♦   Soybean oil is known to be a healthier source of fat that provides essential nutrients. It has omega-3 fatty acids that reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, abnormal heart beats and decrease the triglyceride levels. Soybean oil contains adequate Vitamin K levels that help limiting neuronal damages in the brain. It plays a prominent role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.

♦   Soybean milk is a great source of high quality soy protein frequently fortified with calcium and Vitamin D for bone health. It is low in sugar content than regular milk. In addition, the mono-unsaturated fatty acids in soy milk can inhibit your intestinal absorption of fat.

By Nibhanapudi Suguna