What are the health benefits of soy?
What is soy? Soybeans are part of the large legume family, which includes beans, dried peas, lentils and chick peas. Soybeans were one of the first foods to be grown by humans. They come from Asia and have been grown in China for 13,000 years. Nutritional value of soy 250 ml (1 cup) of cooked soybeans contains as much protein as 100 g of cooked meat, chicken or fish. The quality of soy proteins can be compared to meat proteins, while other legumes are not considered complete sources of protein. All legumes, including soy, have no cholesterol. Even though soy is a little higher in fat than other legumes, its only good fat (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, including omega-3 fatty acids)! Soy is also an excellent source of minerals including calcium, iron and zinc: • Calcium is essential for building and developing strong bones and teeth. • Iron is used to carry oxygen to tissue and muscle cells. • Zinc is important for growth, immunity, healing wounds and perceiving taste. Our b
Soybeans are considered one of the world’s healthiest foods. For one, soy is considered a high quality protein, equal to that of animal protein without the high amounts of saturated fat and cholesterol. Soy is also high in fiber and contains numerous vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. Many research studies have shown that soy helps decrease risk for heart disease. Observational studies have shown that cultures consuming soy as a main staple have a low occurrence of heart disease. A recent study at Iowa State University also showed that soy isoflavones, a particular phytochemical in the soy bean, may protect the interior lining of blood vessels – keeping arteries from becoming inflexible. Other studies have shown that soy helps decrease total cholesterol, LDL (bad) cholesterol, and triglyceride levels. Soy consumption has also been associated with decreasing the risk of some forms of cancer. The many health benefits soy has prompted the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create
Soy is one of the healthiest foods on earth. A complete review of all the benefits could easily fill a large book. Soy’s key benefits are related to its excellent protein content, its high levels of essential fatty acids, numerous vitamins and minerals, including isoflavones and saponins, and its fiber. The soybean contains a wealth of nutrients and phytochemicals, that are tied to an impressive array of medical benefits: • Decreases symptoms of menopause – The soy isoflavones products appear to decrease the symptoms of menopause, especially hot flushes. More information about isoflavones and menopause. • Reduces risk of certain cancers – Using soy products appears to decrease the risk of breast cancer. Soy products may also decrease the risk of colon and prostate cancer. The anti-cancer action of tempeh is attributed to the isoflavones. The isoflavones have antioxidant properties and help to prevent to oxidation of DNA. Isoflavones also seem to reduce the growth rate of cancer cells.
