Soybean, native to China since 13000 years, was unknown to the West as an edible bean until almost the dawn of 20 th century. Soy bean was considered a fodder food till then in West. Only after the goodness of soy came to limelight is when the West became curious about this legume and started considering this as a food.
Soybean as food
- Soybean is now consumed in many processed forms of miso (a paste form), tempeh (processed coagulated soy), soybean oil, soy sauce etc.
- Soy milk is seen as a substitute to cattle milk in vegan recipes, and as a booster supplement
- Tofu is now well-known as a vegetarian high protein food and a replacement to meat based substitutes in many cases.
- Soy bean flour is usually mixed with grain flours to make various breads around the world; this is an easy way to up the protein content in many breads which is otherwise negligible in grain and millet flours.
- Soy protein is extracted from the bean to use as a supplementary food as the quick protein share for healthy weight gain.
Here are the handful of health benefits of soy that you won’t want to miss:
1.Building muscles
With about 10 grams of carb and close to 17 grams of protein per 100 grams of cooked soy, this legume and its products are a boon for weight watchers. This is also beneficial in faster repair and reproduction of healthy cells.
2.Anti-Cancer Properties
Bioactive proteins like lectin and lunasin avoid cancers at later stages of life. In addition to these, presence of isoflavons have been proved to be beneficial to avoid breast and prostate cancer in women.
3.Abated Menopausal Symptoms
Studies have shown that consumption of soy every now and then alleviates menopausal symptoms like hot flash, sweating, mood swings, which is believed to be influenced by presence of a compound named equol in soy products.
4.Maintains A Healthy Heart
Soy moderately reduces cholesterol levels and due to omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, it is known to keep cholesterol in check. Also, it improves blood circulation due to copper and iron trace elements present.
5.Avoids Birth Defects In Newborns
Folic acid is in plenty and hence when included in diets of pregnant women and before conceiving, soy has been researched to avoid birth defects.
6.Provides Metabolic Boost
Elements like copper, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, calcium, gives a considerable metabolic boost.
7.Induces Quality Sleep
Magnesium content in soy majorly contributes for curing insomnia and induce a deep and quality sleep. This is also since the soy products keep you fuller for longer.
Recipes to make from Soya Nuggets
Recipes to make from Soy Milk
