Soybeans are rich in proteins
The soybean has been grown and used in China for more than 2000 years.
Soybean [US] or soya beans[U.K] belongs to legumes and is introduced to West in the past century and has already become one
of the best protein sources in the world.
Now US produces more than 50% of the world's production of these beans.
There are different varieties of soybean with different colors but have similar nutritive values.
Nutrients
Proteins make up to 40% of the dry weight of soybean seeds and oil contributes 20% of the weight.Carbohydrates make up 35% of the weight and rest consists of fibers and other elements.
Soybean oil
Soybean oil is comparable to other vegetable oils in its content of mono saturated fats [60%] and polyunsaturated fats [25%].Soybean oil's polysaturated fatty acid profile include two very important essential fatty acids, namely linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are not produced by the human body.
These fatty acids are required for the our health and they help in the absorption of vital nutrients by the body.
Biological processes like muscle contractions, growth of cells and blood pressure are achieved by the activity of an array of hormones. These essential fatty acids, functioning as precursors bring about the hormonal activity.
Soybean proteins
The protein profile of the soybeans is complete, containing almost all the amino acids required by the human body.The quality of protein is as good as that of milk and meat.
Other good sources of proteins like meat have the saturated fats whereas soybeans are low in saturated fat and are almost cholesterol free.
It is an important primary ingredient in dairy product substitutes and processed foods.
Its flakes, a by-product of oil extraction is used in producing a number of byproducts like protein isolates, flour and protein concentrates.
Its isolate is used to manufacture cheese, soymilk, coffee whiteners and infant's formulae as it contains 98% proteins.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants present in soybeans by removing the free radicals help in increasing the resistance to diseases, slowing the aging process and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.The antioxidant activity protect us from cancers of prostate gland, breast and colon. Bone health problems like osteoporosis are alleviated by regular consumption of soybeans.
Heart diseases
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 recognized officially the importance of soy protein in lowering cholesterol and recommended the intake of at least 25gms of these protein daily for reducing the risk of heart ailments.Atherosclerotic plaques development can be controlled by reducing the the deposits on the wall of blood vessels.
They increase the blood levels of nitric oxide and thereby help in the blood vessel dilation which reduces the risk of plaque formation.
Menopausal symptoms
Soybeans have been found to be effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.Isoflavones present in them act like weak estrogens and reduce the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes.
Its sprouts are good source of vitamins A, B and C.
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The dynamic nature
image attribution: Chris 73 / Wikimedia Commons
Underweight | :below 18.5 |
Normalweight | :18.5-24.9 |
Overweight | :25-29.9 |
Obesity | :above 30.0 |
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