Soybean: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Soybeans, a potent source of plant-based protein, offer other beneficial plant compounds. They may reduce your risk of cancer and alleviate menopause symptoms, but excessive consumption may cause digestive problems.

Soybeans or soya beans (Glycine max) are a type of legume native to eastern Asia.

Protein
It can be hard to eat enough of this important fuel for your body if you’re vegetarian or vegan, especially if you’re an athlete or very active. Soybean, also called soya bean, can help. Unlike most plant protein, soy has all nine essential amino acids you need for healthy muscles and bone.

Heart-Healthy Diet
Only 10%-15% of the total fat in soybeans is saturated. Other protein sources like ground beef or pork chops have much more of this type of fat, which usually turns solid at room temperature and which may raise your risk of heart disease. Swapping out your meat dishes with soy products like tofu may benefit your ticker.

Zero Cholesterol
Like all vegetables and grains, soy foods are naturally cholesterol-free. A number of studies seem to suggest that simply adding soy protein to your diet can help lower your LDL, or “bad,” cholesterol by 4%-6%. So try it in place of less healthy choices.

Higher Fiber
Soybeans have about 10 grams of fiber per cup. Compare that to 0 grams for animal proteins like steak, chicken, and fish. What’s more, the high fiber in soy may help lower the cholesterol you get from other foods. And oh yeah, fiber helps you poop regularly.

Stronger Bones
Some women can lose a lot of bone mass after menopause. That makes your bones more brittle and more likely to break. Doctors often prescribe estrogen to treat this and other symptoms of menopause. Isoflavones, a plant chemical common in soy foods, seem to mimic the effects of estrogen. Some research suggests that isoflavones may help strengthen bones in women who’ve had menopause.

Other health benefits of soy

• lowered blood pressure.
• improvements to blood vessels, (such as greater elasticity of artery walls)
• improved bone health.
• protection against some cancers (including breast cancer)
• improved cognitive function and visual memory.

If you are man , Limit the consumption of soy and estrogen-rich foods

Some foods, especially soy products, contain plant estrogen. This can reduce testosterone bonding and sperm production.Some foods, especially soy products, contain plant estrogen. This can reduce testosterone bonding and sperm production.