Soy comes from soybeans. Soybeans or soya beans are legumes which grow throughout much of the world and constitute one of the world's major food crops. The beans can be processed into soy protein, which is a powder; soymilk, which is a beverage that may or may not be fortified with extra calcium from the soybeans; or soy fiber, which contains some of the fibrous parts of the bean. Soy are turned into a wide array of foods, including tofu, miso, soymilk and tempeh. Soybeans have been in use as a food crop in Asia for around 5000 years, but didn't make their way to the United States until the 19th century. In the modern world, the vast majority of soybeans are either turned into oil or used as feed for livestock or human consumption. There are two major types of soybeans cultivated these days -- the yellow and black varieties. There is no significant nutritional difference between the two.
There are a number of different ways soybeans may be prepared for human consumption. They may be eaten sprinkled with salt and boiled, in a form usually referred to by the Japanese name edamame. They may be turned into soymilk, a process involving soaking them in water, then grinding them and boiling them into a milky substance. The curds from this soymilk may then be pressed into blocks of tofu, in a process similar to that of making cheese from dairy milk. Whole soybeans may also be cooked slightly and then fermented using vinegar and the fungus Rhizopus oligosporus to make tempeh. The leftover soy flour from extracting the oil from soybeans is also used to create textured vegetable protein (TVP), which is often used in meat substitutes.
The health benefits and concerns of soybeans are hotly debated by leading nutritionists and physicians. Soybeans contain a full range of amino acids and a high protein content, making them an ideal supplemental source, particularly for vegetarians and vegans. Many people hold that soy should not be fed to infants in any form, as it may lead to allergies, but this is contested by other physicians and nutritionists.
Soybeans are also one of the most genetically-modified crops, with a full 80% of soybeans grown on Earth having undergone some sort of modification. The most famous of these modifications is the Roundup Ready soybean, which can be sprayed with the weed-killer Roundup and survive. The genetically-modified status of soybeans is a cause of concern for many who tout its health benefits and believe genetically modified foods to have possible health risks. For this reason, many soy products proclaim that they use non-GMO (genetically-modified organism) soybeans.
Over 100 million metric tons of soybeans are produced globally each year, with the United States as the number-one producer. Argentina and Brazil also play a large role in the production of soybeans, and there is concern that their increased use of land to cultivate soybeans threatens the rainforest.
Soybeans are a source of
protein and they can provide all the essential amino acids. The
essential amino acids are the ones that cannot be synthesized by our
body and hence, have to be acquired only from foods. Generally,
animal proteins are known as a source of complete proteins, as they
contain all the essential amino acids. On the other hand, most of the
plant food sources cannot supply all the essential amino acids
required by our body. But, one of the most important soybeans
nutrition facts is that they can provide complete proteins, due to
which they are an ideal food for vegetarians or vegans.
Protein
content accounts for about 40% of dry soybeans, while carbohydrates
and oils account for 35% and 20% respectively. The remaining 5% is
ash. The outer hull (dry outer covering) of soybeans is a rich source
of dietary fiber. It contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.
Soluble fiber can have several important health benefits like
lowering cholesterol and blood sugar, while the insoluble fiber can
be beneficial for digestive health. It has been found that soluble
fiber can also lower the risk of developing colon cancer. Apart from
proteins and carbohydrates, soybeans can provide significant amount
of iron, vitamin C, thiamine, folate or folic acid, calcium,
magnesium, potassium, zinc and manganese.
1 cup or 256gm of
raw soybeans usually contains about 376 calories, 33.2gm protein,
28.3gm carbohydrates, 17.4gm fats, 74.2mg vitamin C, 1.1mg thiamine,
504mg calcium, 166mg magnesium, 1587mg potassium and 9.1mg iron. On
the other hand, 172gm of dry and roasted mature seeds contain almost
776 calories. Soy nuts are a type of snacks, that are actually
roasted soybeans. Calories in roasted soybeans or soy nuts can also
be very high. 30gm of soy nuts can contain about 140 calories. Dry
and roasted soybeans or soy nuts are made from whole soybeans, which
are soaked in water and then baked to make them crispy.
Soybeans are an important
source of not only proteins, but carbohydrates, fats, and many
essential vitamins and minerals. So, they facilitate normal growth
and development in young children. They can help manage the level of
cholesterol, blood sugar and body fats, when consumed in adequate
quantities. They are often regarded as an ideal food for those trying
to build muscles. They can be of immense help for preventing a number
of health problems, including atherosclerosis or hardening of the
arteries and complications related to the heart. Even people
suffering from diabetes can receive significant health benefits from
consuming soybeans. Oil obtained from soybeans is very rich in
essential fatty acids like linoleic and linolenic acids. Both are
very important for human health, as they help regulate blood pressure
and facilitate the absorption of vital nutrients. So, soybeans are an
extremely beneficial food that can provide almost all the important
nutrients required for human growth and development. They are quite
popular for being a rich as well as a cheap source of proteins.
Soy is used for high
cholesterol, high blood pressure, and preventing diseases of the
heart and blood vessels. It is also used for type 2 diabetes, asthma,
lung cancer, endometrial cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer,
as well as preventing weak bones (osteoporosis), and slowing the
progression of kidney disease.
Other uses include treating
constipation and diarrhea, as well as decreasing protein in the urine
of people with kidney disease, improving memory, and treating muscle
soreness caused by exercise.
Women use soy for breast pain,
preventing breast cancer, preventing hot flashes after breast cancer,
menopausal symptoms, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
In
foods, soy is used as a milk substitute in infant feeding formulas,
and as an alternative to cow's milk. Soybeans are eaten boiled or
roasted. Soy flour is used as an ingredient in foods, beverages, and
condiments.
High cholesterol. Eating soy protein in place of other dietary protein seems to slightly reduce total cholesterol and "bad cholesterol" (low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels).
Hot flashes caused by menopause. Eating soy protein seems to help hot flashes caused by menopause, but it doesn't seem to help hot flashes in women with breast cancer.
Reducing the risk of osteoporosis (weak bones), especially in women who have passed menopause. Most evidence suggests that soy protein can increase bone mineral density (BMD), or slow BMD loss in women near or beyond menopause. Soy does not seem to help BMD in younger women.
Reducing the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers think early exposure to soy may be key. Asian women who eat a traditional diet high in soy seem to be less likely to develop breast cancer. This benefit continues even when Asian women move to western cultures where soy is less likely to be a regular part of the diet. This suggests that exposure to soy early in life (i.e., before menopause) provides the most protection against breast cancer. However caution is to be taken with soy for treating breast cancer, see "Special Precautions & Warnings" section.
Reducing the duration of diarrhea in infants.
Preventing and treating diabetic nerve problems.
Providing nutrition to infants who can't digest milk sugars.
Reducing protein in the urine of people with kidney disease.
Treating diabetes type 2.
Treating infants who have trouble digesting lactose (galactosemia, hereditary lactose deficiency, lactose intolerance).
Soy contains "isoflavones" which are changed in the body to "phytoestrogens," which are similar to the hormone estrogen.
The following doses have
been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
For high cholesterol: 20-50 grams per day of soy protein.
For preventing weak bones (osteoporosis): 40 grams per day soy protein containing 2-2.25 mg isoflavones per gram.
For menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes:
20-60 grams per day of soy protein providing 34-76 mg isoflavones.
concentrated soy isoflavone extracts providing 50-120 mg/day of isoflavones.
Genistein, a soy isoflavone: 54 mg per day.
For protein in the urine of people with kidney disease: a diet limited to 700-800 mg/kg soy protein daily has been used.
For diarrhea in infants, soy fiber fortified formula containing 18-20 grams of soy protein per liter.
For type 2 diabetes, touchi extract 300 mg three times daily. Touchi is a traditional Chinese food prepared from soybeans.
For type 2 diabetes in postmenopausal women, 30 grams of soy protein daily, containing 132 mg of phytoestrogens daily for up to 12 weeks.
Soy foods contain variable amounts of isoflavones. Soy flour contains 2.6 mg isoflavones per gram of soy flour, fermented soybeans contain 1.3 mg per gram, boiled soybeans contain 0.6 mg per gram, soymilk contains 0.4 mg per gram, soybean curd contains 0.5 mg per gram, fried soybean curd contains 0.7 mg per gram, soybean paste contains 0.4 mg per gram, and soy sauce contains 0.016 mg per gram.
Consuming soy foods such as soy protein is SAFE. Taking soy dietary supplements also seems to be safe for most people when used short-term (up to six months). Soy can cause some mild side effects such as constipation, bloating, and nausea. It can also cause allergic reactions involving rash and itching in some people.
Long-term use of high doses of soy dietary supplements is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. There is concern that taking high doses might cause abnormal tissue growth in the uterus.
Soy beans or soy naturally contains toxins like trypsin inhibitors, hemaglutinin, phytic acid, and phytoestrogens. The presence of these anti-nutrients give rise to several side effects or negative effects on consuming soy products. However, one should know that these are only potential dangers that can occur only when soy products are taken in very large amounts regularly. Let us have a look at it in detail.
Trypsin inhibitors in soy products interfere with protein digestion and can lead to disorders of the pancreas.
The Hemaglutinin is responsible for clumping of red blood cells together to form clots which can obstruct several body functions.
One of the other dangers of soy occurs due to the presence of phytic acid or phytates. It inhibits the absorption of certain essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, zinc and iron.
Soy is believed to have a greater adverse effect on the thyroid gland. The phytoestrogens in soy products can cause hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid diseases in people.
One of the biggest dangers of soy milk for women is that it is believed to contain phytoestrogens which works in similar way as estrogen (a female hormone) that can aid in menopausal symptoms and may even lead to reproductive disorders.
As mentioned above, soy products inhibit the absorption of calcium, this in turn leads to increase in the requirement of vitamin D.
Soy foods also contain considerable amounts of aluminum that can lead to several kidney diseases if consumed in large amounts.
Those advocating for soy should also be aware of the potential dangers of soy proteins. It is proposed that soy foods inhibit the benefits of other foods and nutrients in the body.
Over the years, as the popularity of soy has held fort for the above mentioned benefits, researchers have also discovered several ill effects of soy which offset the gains. Excessive consumption of soy apparently seems to contribute too much estrogen into our bodies. So, eating too much soy might make men a bit more 'in touch with their feminine side'. Other things associated with soy milk is that the estrogen level spike in the male body leads to growth of breasts in men.
Other more disturbing researches show that over-consumption of soy in infant and children may lead to more than just effeminacy. Researchers claim that too much estrogen in men might make them think and act like women and slowly make them infertile. So it seems like over-consumption of soy is terrible for men on account of the estrogen levels. But it must be terrific for women right? Wrong. Like a rationed and rational consumption of soy helps avoid cancer, over-consumption can lead to stimulation of growth of cancerous cells in females.
So, is soy good for you? To conclude, I would just like the state the importance of the word 'over-consumption' here. You've probably heard that bit about, too much of a good thing. So while soy stands to bequeath its range of benefits to its more level headed consumer, it can also harm someone who abuses it. So while soy in moderation can be beneficial to your health, too much of it may cause a few health problems.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Soy protein is LIKELY SAFE in pregnancy and during breast-feeding when consumed in amounts normally found in food. Higher doses during pregnancy might harm development of the baby. Not enough is known about the safety of higher doses during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid larger doses.
Children: Soy is LIKELY SAFE for children when used in amounts commonly found in food or infant formula. Using soy formula does not seem to cause health or reproductive problems later in life. However, soymilk that is not designed for infants should not be used as a substitute for infant formula. Regular soymilk could lead to nutrient deficiencies.
Soy is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when used as an alternative to cow's milk in children who are allergic to cow's milk. Although soy protein-based infant formulas are often promoted for children with milk allergy, these children are often allergic to soy as well.
Don't give children soy in amounts larger than what is found in food or formula. Researchers don't know whether soy is safe for children at higher doses.
Cystic fibrosis: Soymilk can interfere with the way children with cystic fibrosis process protein. Don't give these children soy products.
Breast cancer: The effects of soy in people with breast cancer are unclear. Some research finds that soy might "feed" certain breast cancers because it can act like estrogen. Other studies have found that soy seems to protect against breast cancer. The difference in effects might have something to do with the amount taken. Because there isn't enough reliable information about the effects of soy in women with breast cancer, a history of breast cancer, or a family history of breast cancer, it's best to avoid using soy until more is known.
Endometrial cancer: Long-term use of concentrated soy isoflavone tablets might increase the occurrence of precancerous changes in the tissue lining the uterus. Don't take concentrated soy isoflavone supplements if you have endometrial cancer.
Kidney disease: There is some concern that soy products might increase the risk of kidney stones because they contain large amounts of a group of chemicals called oxalates. Oxalates are the main ingredient in kidney stones. Another concern is that people with serious kidney disease aren't able to process some of the chemicals in soy. This could lead to dangerously high levels of these chemicals. If you have kidney disease or a history of kidney stones, avoid taking large amounts of soy.
Urinary bladder cancer: Soy products might increase the chance of getting bladder cancer. Avoid soy foods if you have bladder cancer or a high risk of getting it (family history of bladder cancer).
Under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism): There is a concern that taking soy might make this condition worse.
Asthma: People with asthma are more likely to be allergic to soy hulls. Avoid using soy products.
Hay fever (allergic rhinitis): People with hay fever are more likely to be allergic to soy hulls.