Soybeans benefits includes prevention of heart attack and stroke, help fighting cancer, aiding the digestive system, preventing osteoporosis, helping with better blood circulation, treating insomnia, offering support during menopause period and supporting pregnancy by providing vital vitamin B complex and folic acid. Other benefits includes treating symptoms of diabetes, improving cognition, increasing immunity and reducing depression.
Green, yellow, brown or black; soybeans come in a variety of colors and have become extremely famous in the recent years because of the long list of benefits associated with their use. Soybeans are most commonly grown in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina and are considered to be effective in treating many health problems. In this article, we will share with you thirteen different ways in which soybeans can help you maintain a healthy lifestyle.
What are Soybeans?
Native to East Asia, soybeans belong to the family of legumes and are considered to be rich in protein. Soybeans are grown by going through different stages that help them develop from a seed to a plant. Raw soybeans are not considered to be edible, and you can cook it in many ways to enjoy the variety of nutrients packed in these beans.
Soybeans witnessed an increase in popularity during the World War II due to their ability to become useful substitutes for protein beneficial for the malnourished people at that time. Today, soybeans are mostly processed because of their oil and are used as protein sources in the animal feed industries. Soybeans are also used in products such as soy milk, soy flour, and other products for human consumption.
Nutritional Information (100g)
| Energy
Carbohydrates Protein Vitamin A Vitamin B6 Riboflavin Thiamine Vitamin B12 Vitamin C |
1866 kJ
30.16 g 36.49 g One μg 0.377 mg 0.87 mg 0.874 mg 0 μg 6.0 mg |
Vitamin E
Vitamin K Calcium Copper Zinc Magnesium Iron Potassium |
0.85 mg
47 μg 277 mg 1.658 mg 4.89 mg 280 mg 15.7 mg 1797 mg 2 mg |
13 Impressive Health Benefits of Soybeans
1. Prevention of Heart Attack & Stroke
Eating soy foods can help you lower your cholesterol, and the fiber content in soybeans can work towards decreasing the absorption of cholesterol in your body and getting rid of the layers formed on the surface of your arteries. It is because of these benefits that soybeans are considered to be heart-friendly and can be consumed to prevent the chances of getting a heart attack or stroke. In addition to this, the fatty acids found in soybeans can also help lower your blood pressure and thus developed a healthy cardiovascular system.
2. Against Cancer
Cancer is a serious illness that needs significant attention and treatment. Soybeans work well in helping your body fight against cancer. As we know, soybeans are known to be rich in antioxidants; the presence of these antioxidants makes soybeans excellent for neutralizing the free radicals present in your body that result in cancer.
3. Digestive System
Because of the presence of significant amount of fiber in soybeans, they are considered to be extremely helpful in treating numerous digestive problems. The fiber found in soybeans helps the body regulate the digestion process and eliminate the toxins from your body. People suffering from constipation, diarrhea or bloating can use soybeans to have a smooth digestion process.
4. Prevention of Osteoporosis
The richness of antioxidants in soybeans can help you increase bone density that can result in stronger bones. In addition to this, the presence of calcium, zinc, copper, and magnesium also helps improve the overall bone health and can play a significant role in preventing and treating problems such as osteoporosis.
5. Better Circulation
Anemia has become a common problem that results due to a lower level of hemoglobin. A healthy level of red blood cells is essential to prevent anemia and poor circulation. Poor circulation affects all the important organs in your body and should be treated. Soybeans are rich in both iron and copper; these two minerals are extremely important in the production of healthy red blood cells which can greatly prevent all the problems mentioned above and can regulate blood circulation.
6. Treat Insomnia
Magnesium is important to regulate a healthy sleep cycle. It is because of this that soybeans are considered to be of great help when trying to get rid of problems related to sleep such as insomnia. The presence of magnesium in soybeans helps them become useful in fighting insomnia and getting uninterrupted, peaceful sleep.
7. Support Menopause Period
Menopause is a difficult time for every woman which is why it is essential to consume foods that help your body get through this transition easily and smoothly. The isoflavones found in soybeans prevent your body from feeling the ill effects of a reduction in estrogen levels by mimicking their effect. This greatly helps in the transition and treats symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and other pains.
8. During Pregnancy
Soybeans are also rich in Vitamin B Complex and Folic Acid, both of which are essential during pregnancy. By consuming soybeans, pregnant women can greatly reduce the risk of congenital disabilities associated low levels of folic acid and Vitamin B Complex.
9. Treat Symptoms of Diabetes
The presence of isoflavones and magnesium in soybeans can improve the sensitivity of insulin in the body and can significantly help those suffering from diabetes. The level of magnesium in those suffering from diabetes is also considered to be lower than usual; hence by adding soybeans to your diet, you can help your body control diabetes.
10. Improve Cognition
Vitamins found in soybeans as well as minerals such as zinc and magnesium can boost brain health significantly. By consuming soybeans, you will find yourself to be more focused and have a better cognitive ability than usual. The magnesium found in soybeans an also help you prevent anxiety and other problems associated with your brain health. Soybeans can help you reduce your stress levels and can give you improved clarity and memory.
11. Increase Immunity
To fight various viruses and illnesses, your body needs a rich intake of important nutrients and minerals. One of these nutrients is protein; protein plays a very important role in regulating your immune system and helping your body fight illnesses and viruses. Thus, if you wish to increase your protein intake without having to eat meat, soybeans present you with an answer. By consuming soybeans, you can increase your protein intake and can thus increase your body’s immunity.
12. Anti-Inflammatory
Soybeans are also known to have anti-inflammatory properties that are essential to treat many serious illnesses. The alpha-linolenic acid makes soybeans reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation of the body can lead to many problems such as arthritis or even cancer. Hence, soybeans can be used effectively to treat problems associated with inflammation.
13. Reduce Depression
Folate can greatly help patients suffering from depression. Therefore, the consumption of soybeans can help your body fight against depression by helping in serotonin production process. Serotonin will reduce depression and improve your mood significantly.
Conclusion
Soybeans are packed with nutrients and minerals that are important for a healthy lifestyle. However, the amount should be chosen carefully as soybeans can also increase the risk of developing kidney stones and cause allergic reactions.
