Learn the Health Benefits of Soy Beans

Learn the Health Benefits of Soy Beans
Page content

Health Benefits of Soy

The health benefits of soy have become increasingly popular. The benefits of soy range from heart health to bone health. The nutritional value of soy beans has shown to aid in cancer prevention. Menopausal symptoms have shown a benefit from soy as well. Soy beans contain high amounts of protein, making them a very wise choice for food. Soy also contains all the essential amino acids, which is rarely found in many vegetables and fruits. Soy contains calcium, iron, zinc, and phosphorus, creating many health benefits. Magnesium, B vitamins, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids can be found in soy as well. Soy contains low amounts of saturated fats, making them a healthy choice to eat.

Bone Health

One health benefits of soy is the promotion of bone health. Because soy is a natural source of calcium, it is excellent for promoting bone formation. Soy also contains isoflavones, which stop the deterioration of bones. Bone health is also promoted because soy contains magnesium and boron, both of which are very important to bone health. Soy beans contain Diadzein, which has been used to help treat osteoporosis. Because soy contains all these qualities, the benefits of soy include reducing the risk of bone fractures. This especially benefits post-menopausal symptoms.

Heart Health

Heart health can also be promoted through soy products. After clinical studies were conducted, soy milk has shown to reduce total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and Triglyceride levels. While doing this, soy preserves HDL cholesterol levels. Studies showed the risk of coronary heart disease can be reduced by consuming 25 grams of soy protein daily. Soy beans contain soluble fiber as well. Soluble fiber disrupts the absorption and metabolism of cholesterol. Soy products have shown positive results in the improvement of blood vessel elasticity.

Cancer Benefits

Soy has shown to benefit certain cancers as well. Evidence shows soy may prevent and possibly treat prostate cancer. Soy has shown to be effective in breast cancer but more research is still needed. Soy may decrease the growth of breast cells if it is estrogen-dependent, which is the cause for more research. The isoflavones contained in soy can also affect hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers, needing more studies to be conducted.

Menopausal Benefits

Another health benefit of soy involves menopausal symptoms. Soy has shown to prevent hot flashes. Asian women consume soy regularly in their diets, which has produced evidence of Asian women reporting considerably less hot flash complaints then women in the United States. These results lead to a belief woman should consume 1-2 servings of soy products a day for the health benefits. Unfortunately, soy contains estrogen-like compounds. This causes a concern for possible cancer risks.

With all of these believed health benefits of soy protein, it appears to be a very natural choice for many common health conditions. Even though much research is still needed to prove the extent of the soy benefits, soy is still a great, natural food choice to consume.

References

“ Powerful Benefits of Soy” By Gloria Tsang, RD Feb. 2006, Healthcastle.com

“Hot flashes: Minimize Discomfort During Menopause.” Woman’s Health June 12, 07 MayoClinic.com

“ Soy and Heart Health.” Soy Foods Association of North America, 2007

“ Soy and Heart Health.” Soyconnection.com, 2008

Disclaimer

The information in this article should not be considered medical advice. The information in this article is not meant to treat, diagnose, prescribe or cure any ailment. Always check with your physician before taking any products or following any advice you have read on Brighthub.com. Always consult your doctor before you start, stop or change anything that has been previously prescribed. Certain herbs and holistic remedies are unsuitable to take if you are pregnant or nursing and must always be cleared by your doctor before use.