Why are soybeans healthy

An analysis of clinical trials suggests 14g to 50g of soy protein can significantly reduce total blood cholesterol levels, LDL bad cholesterol levels and triglycerides, while moderately increasing HDL good cholesterol levels. Whole soy products such as soymilk, soybeans and soy nuts have a greater effect on improving cholesterol levels than processed soy products. It is not known how this happens — it could be phytoestrogens or soy proteins working alone or together.

Another reason could be, the amount of animal protein in the diet including saturated fat and cholesterol within the animal protein may be reduced and indirectly improve our blood cholesterol levels. However, studies also show that eating soy protein without isoflavones results in only small cholesterol reductions, and isoflavone supplements alone have minimal cholesterol lowering effects. Due to their phytoestrogen content, it is thought soy can reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes.

This is based on observations of women in some parts of Asia, who tend to have soy-rich diets and typically fewer hot flushes during menopause than women on meat-rich diets. The phytoestrogens in soy appear to act like a mild form of hormone replacement therapy HRT.

However, compared with traditional HRT, it would take almost a year of regular soy consumption to have similar health benefits.

More research is needed, but soybeans may help some women to manage menopausal hot flushes, even if only modestly. Do not take highly processed soy supplements if you have a high risk of breast cancer, or are a breast cancer survivor.

Eating moderate amounts of whole soy foods appears to be healthy. Generally, around 30 to 50mg of isoflavones is enough to offer health benefits. Examples of the average isoflavone content of some foods include:. Although there has been concern that high consumption of soy for some men and people with thyroid conditions may be risky, research suggests this is not the case. Studies have also shown the use of soy infant formula in healthy, full-term babies does not appear to be harmful.

However, infant soy formula may be harmful to premature babies and is best avoided. Check with your maternal and child health nurse or doctor. Some people do not wish to eat genetically modified GM foods. Soy products imported from the United States are the main source of GM ingredients in food sold in Australia. Some soybean crops have been genetically modified to be resistant to herbicide, but they are otherwise identical to non-GM soybeans.

Genetically modified soy is found in primary soy products such as tofu or soy flour , but it can also be found in a wide range of other foods such as chocolates, potato chips, margarine, mayonnaise, biscuits and bread.

Soy allergy can occur in some people due to a reaction to soy protein causing the immune system to react abnormally. Soy allergies are common in babies and children. Meta-analysis of the effects of soy protein intake on serum lipids. New England Journal of Medicine. Code of Federal Regulations. Health claims: Soy protein and risk of coronary heart disease. Soy protein, isoflavones, and cardiovascular health: an American Heart Association Science Advisory for professionals from the Nutrition Committee.

FDA Statement. Statement from Susan Mayne, Ph. October 30, Phytoestrogens for menopausal vasomotor symptoms. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. Quantitative efficacy of soy isoflavones on menopausal hot flashes. British journal of clinical pharmacology. Phytoestrogens for treatment of menopausal symptoms: a systematic review. Kronenberg F, Fugh-Berman A. Complementary and alternative medicine for menopausal symptoms: a review of randomized, controlled trials. Annals of internal medicine. Nonhormonal therapies for menopausal hot flashes: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Meta-analysis of soy intake and breast cancer risk. Journal of the National Cancer Institute. Diet and breast cancer: a review of the prospective observational studies. Linos E, Willett WC. Diet and breast cancer risk reduction. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. Effects of soy phytoestrogens genistein and daidzein on breast cancer growth.

Annals of Pharmacotherapy. Soy diets containing varying amounts of genistein stimulate growth of estrogen-dependent MCF-7 tumors in a dose-dependent manner. Cancer research. Nutrition and cancer.

The clinical importance of the metabolite equol—a clue to the effectiveness of soy and its isoflavones. The Journal of nutrition. Metabolism of dietary soy isoflavones to equol by human intestinal microflora—implications for health. Gut bacterial metabolism of the soy isoflavone daidzein: exploring the relevance to human health.

Experimental biology and medicine. Lampe JW. Emerging Research on Equol and Cancer—3. This is a detailed article about tofu and its health effects, both good and bad. Edamame beans are whole, immature soybeans that are healthy and easy to eat. This article explores the top 8 health benefits of edamame. Soy nuts are a crunchy snack made from mature soybeans that have been soaked in water, drained, and baked or roasted. Here are 6 impressive benefits…. Tempeh is a fermented soybean product with a variety of health benefits.

This article explains why tempeh can be a nutritious addition to your diet. Soybeans are a type of edible legume that is popular in Asia and the US. This article contains detailed health and nutrition information on soybeans. Soy protein is a controversial food — while some think of it as a nutritional powerhouse, others see it as an enemy to health.

This article tells you…. Here's a deeper look. An allergic reaction to soy is common in both adults and infants. Learn more about soy allergies, including symptoms and treatment.

Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Benefits Concerns Differences in soy products Bottom line Soy is arguably one of the most controversial nutrition topics. Share on Pinterest. Contains various nutrients. May offer several health benefits. Why are some people concerned about soy? Not all soy-based foods are the same. The bottom line. Read this next. Soybeans Nutrition Facts and Health Effects. Soy Protein: Good or Bad?

This article examines the evidence for and against eating soy. Soy protein is a controversial food — while some think of it as a nutritional powerhouse, others see it as an enemy to health. This article tells you…. Tofu is a food made from condensed soy milk. This is a detailed article about tofu and its health effects, both good and bad. Soy sauce is one of the most popular soy products in the world.

This article explains how soy sauce is produced, as well as its potential health risks…. Each type of milk has its advantages and disadvantages, depending on a person's diet, health, nutritional needs, or personal taste preferences. Antinutrients are compounds in foods that reduce the absorption of other nutrients. Here are several effective tips to remove antinutrients from foods. Lecithin is a food additive that comes from several sources — one of them being soy. Coconut aminos is a popular soy sauce substitute made from fermented coconut palm sap.

This article investigates whether it's really a healthier…. An allergic reaction to soy is common in both adults and infants. Learn more about soy allergies, including symptoms and treatment. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Soybeans or soya beans Glycine max are a type of legume native to eastern Asia. This article tells you everything you need to know about soybeans. Share on Pinterest. Nutrition facts. Vitamins and minerals. Other plant compounds. Health benefits of soybeans.

Concerns and adverse effects.