Soybean is a species of legumes that have been largely consumed across the globe as a healthy source of vegetarian protein. It is a native plant to East Asia, but it is also a widely cultivated crop in the United States, North America, and India as well. This nutrient-dense legume forms an important part of the vegetarian diet, as it serves as an alternative to meat.
Soybean abounds with an extremely impressive source of protein, healthy fats, fibre, antioxidants and phytoestrogen that delivers a ton of health benefits. There are several by-products of soybean available which include soy milk – an alternative for milk, tofu, tempeh, and edamame –a young variety of soybean pod that are consumed as a healthy snack.
These legumes are also available in different colours such as green soybean –edamame pod, yellow soybean –used to make soymilk, tofu, tempeh, tamari and black soybeans – used in making traditional delicacies. Soy milk products are chiefly used as a healthy option for those suffering from lactose intolerance. Furthermore, these beans are also used to extract cooking oil, and meal after extracting the oil is used as animal food.
Soybeans are a unique food that comes with a treasure trove of nutrients including manganese, phosphorus, iron, potassium, molybdenum, copper, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins K and B2. Besides these, soya beans also contain a huge array of peptides and phytonutrients including daidzein, genistein, phenolic compounds coumaric, ferulic, and gallic acid peptides -defensins, glycinin, conglycinin, and saponins.
Benefits Of Soybeans
Prevents Cancer
Potent antioxidants and protein in soybeans function well to fight against cancer and prevent the formation of tumour cells. Regular addition of green soybean and soy by-products helped breast cancer patients to recover faster. Furthermore, these legumes are also plentiful in dietary fibre, which has been linked to minimizing the risk of colorectal and colon cancers.
Heart Healthy
The abundance of healthy omega 3 fatty acids like linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid in soybeans helps to diminish bad cholesterol, prevent the formation of plaque in the arteries and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. Adding soybeans as a part of the meal plan supports smooth muscle function, increases the elasticity of the blood vessels, and regulates the blood pressure thereby uplifting optimal cardiac health.
Fortifies Bones
Blessed with essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, selenium, and zinc, soybeans build up bones and reinstate bone mass. Consuming soybean is beneficial in minimizing bone loss and uplifting strength and stamina in postmenopausal women. Moreover, this protein-packed legume also plays a key role in preventing the risk of osteoporosis.
Remedies Menopausal Symptoms
Soybeans are packed with phytoestrogen isoflavones, a key nutrient that promotes female reproductive system function. Women during menopause have a low level of estrogen, which leads to several menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, abdominal cramps, mood swings, etc. Consuming soybeans can aid in easing menopausal symptoms and improve overall health.
Supports Weight Loss
This protein-rich bean forms an essential part of the diet regimen for fitness enthusiasts, as it can help to shed surplus weight. Loaded with protein, soybeans aids to build muscle mass, keep you satiated, and prevent you from craving unhealthy snacks.
