Soybeans and Health

Soy in DietBenefits:

  • A vegetarian source of high quality protein and iron.
  • A good source of B-vitamins, potassium, zinc and other minerals.

Drawbacks:

  • Fermented soy products are high in sodium and may provoke allergies.
  • Soy protein may hinder iron absorption.


Soybeans are one of the most nutritious and power packed beans, as alternative to meat products. If compared, soy contains more protein than beef, more calcium than milk, more lecithin than eggs, and more iron than beef. And to top of it, soybean oil is low in saturated fat, unlike the fat from animal sources. Overall, soy is nutritious, beneficial food, and a welcome addition to a healthy diet. But it should be regarded as food, not as a medication. It is a terrific protein substitute. It can protect us from coronary heart disease, and may relieve menopausal symptoms for some women.

Caution: Don’t overdo it and don’t take soy or isoflavone supplements. Once again there is no substitute for a balanced diet that includes a wide variety of wholesome foods in moderate amounts.

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