Soybeans are a healthy source of high-quality protein and healthful, low saturated fat cooking oil that is high in Vitamin E. Soybeans contain no cholesterol, little or no saturated fat, and plenty of protein and dietary fiber. Soy foods can be an important part of a healthy diet as proscribed by the USDA Food Pyramid.
Soy Nutrition Facts and Recipes
The Bean That Can. . .
The more researchers take a look at the soybean, the more they like what they see. Increasingly, scientific studies, many of which America’s soybean farmers support with their checkoff, point to the soybean as a vital part of a healthy diet. In these days when demand is greater than ever for foods that taste good and are good for you, the soybean can do it all.
Heart Disease
- A Study sponsored by the Food & Drug Administration indicates consumption of soy protein may contribute to a reduced risk of coronary heart disease.
Osteoporosis and Menopause
- Ongoing studies have shown that soy can help fight osteoporosis and menopause.
Breast Cancer
- Soy contains isoflavones, primarily genistein, which have a chemical structure similar to estrogen’s and offer certain protections against a wide range of diseases, including breast cancer.
Prostate Cancer
- Studies among Asians show, as a whole, fewer men with prostate cancer. One possible reason researchers have cited is that Asians eat much more soy than Americans.
Colon Cancer
Bits About Beans
Soybeans Make a Full Menu:
- Green vegetable soybeans are soybeans that are still green and sweet after harvesting and are eaten after boiling for 15 minutes.
- Infant formulas use soy protein isolate powder in lieu of cow’s milk.
- Soy cheese is made from soymilk and comes in a wide range of flavors.
Some Facts Behind Beans and Your Body:
- The FDA says that consumption of 25 grams of soy protein daily as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may reduce the risk of heart disease.
- Omega-3 fatty acids, found in certain fish such as salmon and tuna, are touted as heart-healthy. Certain plant foods, such as soybeans, also contain omega-3 fatty acids.
To learn more about soy nutrition and healthy soy foods, and to order or download the latest Soyfoods Guide, follow this link to the website.
Soy Nutrition in Developing Countries
If your interest is soy nutrition in developing countries, please visit the home of the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (WISHH).