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Soybean benefits
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Soybean benefits
Soybeans and soybean products may help to reduce the risk of several health challenges. These include stroke, cardiovascular diseases, some cancers and improves bone health. Soybeans are high in protein and a good source of fats and carbohydrates. They are a rich source of several vitamins and minerals. They include the beneficial plant compounds such as isoflavones. Therefore, regular use of soybean may help alleviate the symptoms of menopause, reduce risk of prostrate and breast cancer.
Soybeans contain high-quality proteins. One or two serves of protein products can provide many health benefits. They have been part of a staple of Asian diets for thousands of years. Soybeans are a member of the legume family of vegetables. They a popular food particularly for the vegans and vegetarians. This is so because of the high-quality and ‘complete’ protein content. Their characteristics enables to be processed into milk and meat options.
Nutrition profile
It is one of the few known plant foods to contain all the essential amino acids that are found in meats. The other is amaranth seed and to a lesser amount, quinoa. Soybeans contain hormone like substance known as phytoestrogens. It mimics the action of hormone oestrogen and is linked with many health benefits.
So, consuming soybean based foods may help to reduce the risk of several health issues. Some evidence suggests the consumption of soy foods is beneficial for peri-menopausal and postmenopausal women. It links to fewer and reduced severity of hot flushes. However, more research is required. However, there is adequate evidence to include whole soy or soy foods in daily meal plans. Soy can be consumed in many ways.
Foods prepared from soybeans are further divided into fermented and unfermented foods. Fermented soy products include miso, natto and soy sauce. Unfermented foods are soymilk, soy nuts and sprouts.
Second generation
Second generation soy food is another class of soy-based food. These include tofu sausages, and burgers, soy pasta, soy breads and soymilk products. It also includes products that contains soy or soy-based ingredients such as lecithin. Lecithin is normally found in some chocolates and baked products. Some soy products are sources of calcium and calcium fortified soy drinks.
Phytoestrogens found in soybeans are naturally occurring chemicals found in plants. So, given the right conditions, these compounds copy the actions of the female hormone oestrogen. However, they are much less powerful. There are many types of phytoestrogens. One example is isoflavones. It is a very strong antioxidant. However, their full physiological effects are still be studied. Soybeans are the most common source of isoflavones in food. However, the amount of isoflavones may vary with the type of soy food. It may depend on the brand and preparation methods too.
Soy allergy
Soy allergy may occur to some people. It is often due to reaction to soy protein that causes the immune system to react abnormally. Thus far, soy allergies are common in babies and children. Symptoms may include itching, nausea, wheezing, diarrhoea, dizziness and confusion.
So, it is important to note soybeans are widely used in many food products. It is mostly used as food additive 322 which is lecithin. It is made from soybeans. Lecithin is a common ingredient in processed foods such as sauces, cheese, dairy products and chocolates. However, not all soy products may cause a reaction.
