Soy or also known as soybean is a part of the legume family, which includes dried beans, peas, peanuts, and lentils. soybean are vegetables that have been part of Asian diets for centuries, and it is now the most widely grown and utilized legume in the world including united State, United Kingdom and Australia. Some foods made from soybeans include tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, soy sauce, etc.
Soybeans have more protein than any other bean and are the only plant-based protein foods that contains all nine essential amino acids, making it a high-quality, complete plant protein source. It is also low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free, and high in many important nutrients, such as B-vitamins, calcium, potassium, and magnesium, fiber and isoflavones. Here are some health benefits of soy.
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in modern society.
Eating soy products has been linked with increased breast tissue in women, hypothetically increasing the risk of breast cancer.
However, most observational studies indicate that consumption of soy products may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Studies also indicate a protective effect against prostate cancer in men.
A number of soybean components may be responsible for the potential cancer-preventive effects. These include isoflavones, lectin, and lunasin.
Exposure to isoflavones early in life may be particularly protective against breast cancer later in life.
Keep in mind that all of the human studies on this subject are so-called observational studies. They indicate an association between soy consumption and cancer, but do not prove causation.
Prevention of Breast and Prostate Cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in modern society.
Eating soy products has been linked with increased breast tissue in women, hypothetically increasing the risk of breast cancer.
However, most observational studies indicate that consumption of soy products may reduce the risk of breast cancer.
Studies also indicate a protective effect against prostate cancer in men.
A number of soybean components may be responsible for the potential cancer-preventive effects. These include isoflavones, lectin, and lunasin.
Exposure to isoflavones early in life may be particularly protective against breast cancer later in life.
Keep in mind that all of the human studies on this subject are so-called observational studies. They indicate an association between soy consumption and cancer, but do not prove causation.
- Reduce heart disease risk
Studies have shown that eating 25 grams of soy protein per day can significantly lower blood cholesterol levels. This amount of soy protein is effective in lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol when substituted for high fat meats and other foods. The soy isoflavone genistein also may increase the flexibility of blood vessels. In 1999, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration supported this claim and allowed food labels to promote soy as part of a heart healthy diet. - Promotes healthy bones
Preliminary studies in women have shown that eating soy protein with higher levels of naturally occurring isoflavones can prevents the loss of bone tissue. In addition, soy also contains calcium and magnesium, which are necessary for the development of strong bones. - Prevent Diabetes
Regularly eating soy has been shown to reduce the risk of diabetes, especially in people who are overweight. Soy offers complete protein, but without the cholesterol and saturated fat that many people with diabetes want to avoid. The carbohydrates in soy are complex, meaning they break down slowly in the body, limiting their impact on blood sugar. - Relieve menopausal symptoms
Preliminary research suggests that eating a diet rich in soy isoflavones may help alleviate menopausal symptoms in pre-menopausal women. During menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly. Isoflavones are able to bind to estrogen receptor cells, so the body doesn’t feel as though it is going through such a dramatic decrease. This can ease many of the symptoms of menopause, such as mood swings, hot flashes, and hunger pains.
