Last Updated on May 17, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Soyabean is a legume that is commonly consumed in various forms, such as tofu, soy milk, and edamame. It is a versatile crop that has been used for centuries in many cultures as a source of protein, fibre, and other essential nutrients. Soyabeans are considered a complete protein as they contain all the essential amino acids required by the human body. Apart from its nutritional value, soyabean has been found to have potential health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. In this context, research has been conducted to evaluate the impact of soyabean and its components on human health. This article discusses the potential health benefits of soyabean in relation to different diseases.
Health benefits of soyabean
May prevent cardiovascular disease
Several controlled clinical studies have documented the benefits of soy intake, including decreased LDL concentrations, triglycerides, lipoprotein, C-reactive protein, homocysteine, oxidised LDL, and blood pressure, and increased HDL concentrations. The beneficial effects are attributed to amino acid composition, non-protein components such as saponins, fibre, phytic acid, minerals, and isoflavones associated with soyabean protein. Legumes are also rich in soluble fibre, which may play an important role in the prevention of heart disease. Soyabean soluble fibres can bind to bile acid and decrease its reabsorption, which leads to an increase in the cholesterol used to synthesise bile acids. Additionally, the fermentation of soluble fibres in the colon produces short-chain fatty acids that contribute to reducing hepatic cholesterol synthesis. Other components of soyabean, such as isoflavones and phytosterols, also possess antioxidant properties and hypocholesterolemic effects, respectively, and inhibit atherosclerotic development. Finally, plant sterols/stanols are structurally similar to cholesterol, which enables them to compete with cholesterol for incorporation into micelles, leading to the down-regulation of cholesterol influx and stimulation of efflux.
May have anti-cancer properties
Research shows that eating soyabean regularly can reduce the risk of getting different types of cancer. This is because soyabean contains many natural substances, like isoflavones, that have been shown to have anticancer properties. Isoflavones are particularly helpful in preventing hormone-dependent cancers. They act like antiestrogens when there’s too much oestrogen in the body, but like oestrogen when there’s too little. Genistein, a substance found in soyabean, is especially good at preventing cancer by blocking proteins that cause cancer cells to grow. It can also stop the growth of blood vessels that supply cancer cells with nutrients. Studies in Japan have shown that people who eat soyabean regularly have lower rates of breast, prostate, and colon cancer. This suggests that soyabean and its components are safe and beneficial to eat.
May help women with menopause
Menopause is a natural phase in a woman’s life that can cause physical and emotional discomfort due to thermoregulatory disturbances such as hot flashes, mood swings, and lack of energy. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is the most effective treatment for these symptoms, but it has been associated with adverse effects like increased risk of stroke, breast cancer, and gallbladder disease. Dietary soy has gained attention due to reports of reduced menopausal discomfort and morbidity in soy-consuming Asian populations. Soy isoflavones bind to oestrogen receptors and produce weak estrogenic effects, which may help alleviate menopausal symptoms. Although human studies show conflicting results, epidemiological studies suggest that regular soy consumption can help manage menopausal symptoms.
May help menopausal women with osteoporosis
During menopause, the loss of oestrogen puts women at greater risk for weaker bones and joints as they age. This is because the decrease in oestrogen levels causes bone breakdown and loss of calcium, leading to a condition called osteoporosis where bones become weak and brittle with tiny holes inside. Phytoestrogens, such as those found in soy foods, can help prevent osteoporosis in the presence of subnormal endogenous oestrogen. Studies in Asia suggest that women who consume large amounts of soy foods have a lower risk of fractures compared to those who consume lower amounts of soy. Some randomised controlled studies using isoflavone extracts or pure genistein have reported that soy isoflavones have a mild but significant effect on maintaining bone mineral density at doses ranging from 35 to 54 mg of aglycone equivalent. Although the mechanism of isoflavones on bone health is not yet fully understood.
May help prevent diabetes
A soyabean diet may be beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes due to its potential positive effects on hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, and obesity, which are common conditions in diabetic patients. Substituting animal protein for soyabean or other vegetable protein may also decrease the risk of renal disease in type-2 diabetes by reducing renal hyperfiltration, proteinuria, and renal acid load. Soluble fibre from soyabean may help moderate insulin levels and control plasma glucose concentration, which is useful for controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics. Soyabean fibre may also increase the excretion of bile acid, which may lead to a lower absorption of fat. While more research is needed, it can be suggested that diabetic patients following a soyabean diet may experience several potential benefits, such as reduced insulin resistance, renal damage, and fatty liver, which can ultimately improve their quality of life.
Conclusion
Soyabean is a valuable legume with numerous potential health benefits. Its consumption in various forms can provide essential nutrients, including complete protein, fibre, and other beneficial components that may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer. Further research is ongoing to explore the potential health benefits of soyabean and its constituents, and its inclusion in a balanced diet can contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
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