Find out “20 Incredible Health Benefits of Soybeans” In addition to being rich in protein, soybeans are rich in vitamins, helping to prevent cardiovascular diseases, helping to promote weight loss, and helping to soften the skin.
In addition, it relieves depression, contains phytic acid, prevents stroke and heart failure, fights cancer, boosts brain function, and prevents diabetes.
Here are 20 Incredible Health Benefits of Soybeans you should know
#1. Rich in Protein
Soybeans are rich in protein and contain peptides such as lunasin, glycinins, and more which all together help in maintaining a normal level of blood sugar, improving the function of the body’s immune as well as the regulation of the blood pressure.
Contains protein as well helps to fight against viruses and illnesses in the body, which is why you have to consume protein supplements such as soybeans even if you want to avoid meat because of its high cholesterol.
#2. Rich in Vitamins
The presence of vitamins in Soybeans especially vitamin E acts as an antioxidant and helps in moisturizing the skin by replacing dead skins with new ones, reducing wrinkles, scaly or dry skin, and as well slows the rate of aging naturally.
Mix ground soybean with water and massage gently on your face for about 25 to 30 minutes for like three to four times a week and see yourself looking young and glowing.
#3. Helps to Prevent Cardiovascular Diseases
It is also good for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases because of its rich content of Omega 3 Fatty Acids, which is also good for the brain and other behavioral functions.
It contains phenolic acids and genistein which is known for its good antioxidant properties and because of the presence of these phytonutrients, it makes soybean beneficial to health as it will aid in the prevention of certain diseases in the body.
#4. High Mineral Content
The minerals in soybeans are beneficial to health;
a) The presence of zinc helps to prevent infection of the ear which can lead to hearing loss and also boost the general immune system and functions.
b) It is rich in the mineral-like iron which helps in providing the human red blood cells with iron-containing substances known as hemoglobin and is known for its role in blood production too.
c) Calcium which can be found in soybean helps in building the bone structure as well as the teeth.
d) Magnesium helps to improve the bone as well as preventing and treating problems such as osteoporosis. This mineral content also helps to get rid of insomnia, difficulty in sleeping; thereby making you sleep peacefully at night.
Mentioned minerals above, all help boost brain health faster.
#5. Promotes Weight Loss
It is good for weight loss because it contains low sugar and is high in polyunsaturated fats which are regarded as good fats as it aid in reducing high cholesterol in the body, and with the presence of dietary fiber aids in food digestion.
#6. Soybean Helps to Soften the Skin
Soybean keeps the skin healthy and balanced by looking hydrated all day long. It serves as a skin moisturizer preventing dry and rough skin. It is also used to remove excess oil from the skin for those that have oily skin.
#7. Good for Women in Menopause
The content of phytoestrogen in soy helps women during menopause because in this stage, the body’s natural production of estrogen tends to stop and of which symptoms might occur, therefore; this phytoestrogen now acts as a weak estrogen that helps relieve those symptoms by slightly boosting levels.
#8. Relieves Depression
Folate content in soybean helps to lower depression and mood disorders. Consumption of soybeans helps your body to fight depression by balancing the serotonin production process which an imbalance might influence mood that could lead to depression.
#9. Treats Inflammation
Soybeans’ content is made of anti-inflammatory properties that are absolutely necessary to treat many serious illnesses. Inflammation of the body can lead to cancer or arthritis if not properly taken care of. It contains alpha-linolenic acid which reduces inflammation in the body system.
Recent studies prove that soybean is of benefit to health as it helps to treat problems associated with inflammation.
#10. Contains Phytic Acid
Soybean contains phytic acid that acts as antioxidants that fight against diseases such as cancer, inflammation, tumor, diabetes, etc.
#11. Helps Prevent Stroke and Heart Failure
A good level of soy intake helps to decrease cholesterol and do away with the layers formed on the surface of your arteries due to the fiber content. It can help to prevent the chances of getting a stroke or heart failure.
Soybeans also contain fatty acid which helps to decrease blood pressure, as well as building a healthy cardiovascular system.
#12. It Regulates the Digestive System
Due to the high content of fiber in soybeans, studies show that appropriate consumption helps in treating many digestive problems, regulates the digestion process as well as fighting the toxins from your body.
Individuals suffering from constipation, diarrhea or bloating should effectively make use of soybeans so as to maintain a smooth digestion process.
#13. Fights against Cancer
Soybeans help to fight against cancer in the body due to its richness in antioxidants. The presence of these antioxidants makes soybeans effective for nullifying the free radicals in your body that leads to cancer.
It also reduces the risk of developing breast cancer as an experiment carried out by researchers proved that women who consume soybeans frequently are less limited to develop breast cancer.
#14. Good for Pregnant Women
Soybeans are highly rich in mineral nutrients such as Vitamin B Complex and Folic Acid, which is very essential for pregnant women as it helps to reduce the risk of congenital disabilities caused by low levels of folic acid and vitamin B complex.
#15. Boost Brain Functioning
Soybean contains phytosterols that help to increase the function of nerve cells in the brain. It sharpens your memory and keeps you focused.
This also contains a vital nutrient for the brain known as lecithin. This nutrient helps patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.
#16. Controls Diabetes
Soybean contains isoflavones and magnesium which reduces insulin resistance thereby increasing insulin receptors synthesis in the body which is of health benefit to those suffering from diabetes.
It is advised that adding soybean to your diet helps the body to control diabetes and other problems relating to insulin metabolism and blood sugar.
#17. May Improve Bone Health
As per a research report published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, isoflavones in soybeans can help protect against spinal bone loss. Another study showed how soy isoflavones also may help in preventing postmenopausal osteoporosis and improving overall bone strength, thereby reducing the risk of fracture. However, further research on this is still required. Soybeans are also a rich source of calcium, which may help in bone growth. [12] [13] [14]
#18. May Reduce Blood Pressure
Research data suggests that soybeans may be hypotensive, which is to say they can help in reducing blood pressure. This may further reduce the risk of stroke and other coronary heart diseases. However, additional research is needed on this. [15]
#19. May Relieve Sleep Disorders
Soybeans may help in reducing sleep disorders and the occurrence of insomnia. They also have a high content of magnesium, as highlighted by researchers from the University of Kentucky in their study published in the journal Plant Physiology. Magnesium is directly linked to increasing the quality, duration, and restfulness of your sleep.
#20. Lowers Cholesterol
Research suggests that soy products can lower LDL cholesterol by a small percentage. You may need to, therefore, consume adequate quantities to realize the effect.
Nutritional Value of Soybeans (100g)
|
Energy |
1866 kJ |
|
Carbohydrates |
30.16 g |
|
Protein |
36.49 g |
|
Vitamin A |
1 g |
|
Vitamin B6 |
0.377 mg |
|
Riboflavin |
0.87 mg |
|
Thiamine |
0.874 mg |
|
Vitamin B |
12 0 g |
|
Vitamin C |
6.0 mg |
|
Vitamin E |
0.85 mg |
|
Vitamin K |
47 g |
|
Calcium |
277 mg |
|
Copper |
1.658 mg |
|
Zinc |
4.89 mg |
|
Magnesium |
280 mg |
|
Iron |
15.7 mg |
|
Potassium |
1797 mg |
|
Sodium |
2 mg |
What is Soybeans?
Soybean is a legume and edible bean which are grown for its use, especially for the production of its useful derivatives as it contains essential nutrients that are beneficial to the body.
It is one of the food crops which gives protein and is highly recommended by most health practitioners to be used as a supplement to our daily meals.
It can also be processed into soybeans powder which can serve as a part of the daily meal and also used for Soy vegetable oil which is better than some of the vegetable oils that can be found in the market because it contains fats, not just fats but healthy fats.
Uses of Soybeans
Soybeans are used in various applications and there are many different ways you can add them to your diet. Let us take a look at them below.
- Soybean milk: With the cost-effectiveness of soy and its increasing popularity in diets around the world, research studies are beginning to look at the other health benefits of this natural plant product. You can read the complete benefits of soy milk here. However, if you are allergic to soy milk, here are some substitutes for the same.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce, also known as soya sauce, is a liquid condiment, made from a preparation of soybean paste, roasted grain, brine, and koji. Click to read in detail the health benefits, types, and side effects of soy sauce here. You can also try our recipe for hoisin sauce at home! You can use it to glaze meat, stir fry your noodles, or as a dip for spring rolls and other appetizers. Here is the full recipe!
- Soybean oil: Soybean oil is considered healthier than most other vegetable oils, due to the presence of a good variety of essential fatty acids in it, which the body needs to remain healthy. Click to read the full benefits and nutrition of soybean oil here.
- Soybean recipes: There are many ways in which you can prepare soybeans at home. You can make soybean fried rice or add boiled soybeans to a salad. You can also stir fry these nuggets and have them as an appetizer. Soybean dry curry is also a famous Indian recipe for the same.
Side Effects of Soybeans
Although there are many beneficial aspects of consuming soybean and soy products, there are also some potentially negative health effects of consuming soybeans as a part of your diet:
- Estrogen levels: Since there are estrogen-mimicking compounds in soybeans, men can occasionally develop a hormone imbalance if they consume high amounts of soybeans or soy milk. In men, this can lead to infertility, sexual dysfunction, and lower sperm count.
- Goiter: There are certain anti-thyroid compounds in soy that can disrupt the activity of the thyroid gland and result in goiter, as well as cause an interruption in the normal hormonal activity in the body.
One should also be careful in case of soy allergies, which is triggered by the presence of soy proteins. If you are wondering whether soy protein is good or bad for you, click to read more. Soybeans can also cause diarrhea or flatulence when consumed in excess.
Besides these effects, soy is a healthy and beneficial choice for millions of people around the world. Give it a try!
In Summary
The nutrients that can be found in soybean are numerous as it contains omega-3 fatty acids, copper, iron, calcium, protein, thiamine, magnesium, vitamin K, zinc, phosphorus, molybdenum, dietary fiber, potassium, manganese, vitamin B12, B6, K, A, and E.
Because of its uncountable nutritional benefits, it is most time substitute as a portion of baby food and in as much as soybeans or its derivatives are generally safe for consumption.
It is also good to know that it can trigger some health conditions such as those with iodine deficiency as it can affect the function of the thyroid which can lead to thyroid diseases such as goiter, increase the risk of developing kidney stones and allergic reactions, so it is advised not to consume high amount of it always.
Also Read: 9 Incredible Health Benefits of Sorghum
FAQs – 20 Incredible Health Benefits of Soybeans
Q. Is soyabean good for male?
A. Soy foods can play an important role in the diets of men by providing high-quality protein and healthy fat. Soy protein also supports normal blood cholesterol levels and is a good choice of high-quality, plant-based protein for those wanting to increase muscle mass.
Q. Does soy increase sperm?
A. Soy’s impact on sperm health and fertility
Men in the highest category of soy intake had sperm concentrations about 32% lower than men who did not consume soy foods at all. However, sperm concentration was well above normal even in the groups that ate the most soy.
Q. Does soybean affect sperm count?
A. In the multivariate-adjusted analyses, men in the highest category of soy food intake had 41 million sperm/ml less than men who did not consume soy foods (95% confidence interval = –74, –8; P, trend = 0.02).
Q. Can too much soy cause impotence?
A. Lower testosterone levels—One study found that soy may decrease testosterone levels in men. This could potentially cause problems with infertility or erectile dysfunction. Problems with absorbing certain nutrients—Soy could reduce how well your body absorbs zinc, iron, and calcium.
Q. Should men avoid soy?
A. Soy does not negatively affect testosterone in men.
In fact, most studies show that soy consumed in moderation has beneficial effects on men’s health as well as women and children, proving there’s no reason for most people to avoid soy.
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