Health benefits of soybean are enormous. Soybean is very rich in protein and relatively cheaper. All around the world, soybean in used in the diets of people and in animals production like poultry, pigs, rabbits, sheep, cattle, etc.
Nutrition facts of Soybean
Soybeans contain protein and also good amounts of fat and carbohydrates. 100 grams of boiled soybeans contain:
- Calories – 173
- Fiber – 6 grams
- Carbohydrates – 9.9 grams
- Protein – 16.6 grams
- Fat – 9 grams
Read also: 11 Highly Improved Soybean Varieties With Amazing Yield and Features
Uses of soybean
- Human food – Used in various meals of humans
- Animal feed – Used in the preparation of feed for animals like pigs, poultry, rabbits, etc.
- Industrial use – Used in producing a wide range of products including tyres, carpets, biodiesel, etc.
Health benefits of Soybean
Here are some of the incredible health benefits of soybean.
1. Improves digestive health
Soybean has 6grams of fibre per serving. This creates a healthy environment for good bacteria to flourish in the digestive tract.
2. 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.
3. Good protein source
For both vegans and vegetarians, soybean is a good source of protein which is a challenge in their diets. Soybean adds to your daily meals high plant-based protein content.
4. Reduces risk of cancer
Soybean contains high levels of antioxidants. This makes it good for the prevention of various cancers. These antioxidants neutralize free radicals which are dangerous by-products of cellular metabolism.
Also, the high fibre content in soybean also helps to reduce the risk of colon cancer.
5. Helps to boost heart health
Soybeans are a source of healthier, unsaturated fat. The unsaturated fat helps to lower the harmful cholesterols in the body. This prevents conditions like atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can easily lead to heart attacks and strokes.
More so, soybean has some specific fatty acids in significant amount necessary for a healthy system. These fatty acids help to maintain blood pressure at appropriate levels.
The fibre in soybean also takes off excess cholesterols from the walls of the blood vessels and arteries.
Read also: Good Soybean Production: A Comprehensive Farmer’s Guide
6. Relieves menopausal symptoms
Soybean contains iso-flavonoids. Iso-flvanoids are essential components of the female reproductive system. During menopause, oestrogen levels drop significantly. Iso-flavonoids are able to bind to oestrogen receptor cells and so the body doesn’t feel that 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.
7. Improves bone health
Soybean has very high levels of vitamins and minerals. There is also impressive levels of calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium, and zinc. These minerals are very important in maintaining bone health.
These elements present in soybeans are essential for promoting the growth of new bones. They also speeds up the healing process of bones. Eating soybeans can be a long-term solution for problems like osteoporosis.
8. Controls diabetes
You can use soybean to manage diabetes.
Soybean has show to increase insulin receptors in the body thereby helping manage diabetes effectively.
Side effects of soybean
Soybeans have a number of health benefits. However, some individuals may need to limit their consumption of soy products, or avoid them altogether.
These are some of the side effects of the consumption of soybean.
1. Flatulence and diarrhea
Like most other beans, soybeans contain insoluble fibers, which may cause flatulence and also diarrhea in sensitive individuals.
2. Soy allergy
Soy allergy is triggered by soy proteins, glycinin and conglycinin, found in most soy products.
3. Suppression of thyroid function
High intake of soy products may suppress thyroid function in some people and contribute to hypothyroidism. This is a condition characterized by low production of thyroid hormones.
The thyroid is a large gland that regulates growth and controls the rate at which your body expends energy.
References
Health Benefits Of Soybean And Its Side Effects – Librate
Soybeans 101: Nutrition Facts and Health Effects – Healthline
Top 10 Health Benefits of Soybean – Dr.Swati Shukla
Uses for Soybeans – Missouri Soybeans
