Benefits of soybeans

Why soybeans is good for men and women and how to eat it

Soybean is a versatile product that is widely used in cooking and is recognized as a source of vegetable protein. Its consumption has a significant impact on human health, regardless of age and gender. Let’s take a look at the main aspects of the benefits and possible harms of soy, as well as its various cooking methods.

Huge benefits of soybean

Soybean is rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins (especially B vitamins), minerals (iron, magnesium, calcium) and isoflavones — substances that play the role of phytoestrogens. This makes it a great food for maintaining good health:

  • Soybean helps lower levels of “bad” cholesterol (LDL), which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.
  • The high calcium and magnesium content strengthens bone tissue, and isoflavones help slow bone loss.
  • Fibers in soybean contribute to normalization of digestion and prevention of constipation.

Is it true that soy is good for men?

For men, soy is useful due to its composition of proteins and amino acids, which help strengthen muscles and accelerate recovery after physical exertion. In addition, isoflavones in moderate amounts help regulate hormonal balance without suppressing testosterone levels, which makes soybean safe for men’s health.

What are the benefits of soybean for women

Soybean is especially beneficial for women because its isoflavones resemble estrogens, the female sex hormones. It helps to:

  • Mitigate menopause symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings).
  • Maintain healthy skin and hair.
  • Prevent osteoporosis, especially in postmenopausal women.

Benefits of soybean for children

Soy can be beneficial for children as a source of protein for their growing bodies, especially for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet. However, it is important to watch the amount of soy consumed to avoid excessive exposure to phytoestrogens.

Nutritional benefits of soybeans

  • Soy contains about 30-35% protein, second only to lupine. Soy protein is similar in amino acid composition to chicken egg white, making it a valuable source of vegetable protein. 
  • Soybeans are used to make many products, including soy milk, tofu, soy sauce, and even meat substitutes. Its versatility allows it to be used in many different cuisines around the world. 
  • More than 300 million tons of soybeans are grown worldwide each year, with Brazil and the United States accounting for two-thirds of this volume. China ranks first in soy consumption, where it is a traditional ingredient in many dishes. 
  • The soybean genome was fully decoded in 2010, opening up new opportunities for breeding and improving resistance to adverse conditions. 
  • Soybeans contain almost the entire range of macro- and micronutrients, including potassium, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, as well as B vitamins and vitamin C. 
  • There are different varieties of soybeans, differing in stem height: the lowest varieties reach 15-18 cm, while the tallest can grow up to 2 meters. 
  • About 77% of the world’s soybean production is used for animal feed, which contributes to the development of livestock and poultry production. 
  • Soy is a zero-waste crop, as all its parts are processed into more than 400 different products, including food, feed and technical products. 
  • Soy sauce is one of the most famous and popular products with umami flavor, the fifth basic flavor, also called “meat” or “spicy”.

Benefits of different types of soy cooking

Soybean can be cooked in different ways:

  • Boiled soybeans. It retains maximum nutrients, is easily digested by the body, and is suitable for baby food and people with sensitive digestion.
  • Braised soybeans. Rich in vitamins and minerals, suitable for a varied diet, well combined with vegetables.
  • Fried soybeans. Features a rich flavor, but when frying, some of the useful substances are destroyed, and the caloric content increases. It is recommended to consume in moderate amounts.

Harm of soybean

Despite the many benefits, soy can also have negative effects, especially with excessive consumption. The isoflavones found in soy can affect hormones, especially in people with endocrine disorders. Soy is a common allergen, so it should be introduced into the diet with caution, especially in children. Soy contains phytates, which can interfere with the absorption of iron, zinc and calcium. This is especially important to consider for people with anemia or deficiencies of these minerals. Much of the soy on the market may be genetically modified. To reduce risks, it is better to choose organic produce.

Soybean is a valuable product that has many health benefits for men, women and children. However, its consumption should be moderate and balanced. Choose quality soy, follow the methods of its preparation and take into account the individual characteristics of your body. In this case, soy will become a useful and tasty addition to your diet.
To learn about the benefits of other products, go to the Benefits food page.

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