Soybeans or soya beans (Glycine max) are a kind of legume native to eastern Asia.
They are a crucial component of Asian diets and are consumed for thousands of years. Today, they’re mainly grown in Asia and South and North America.
In Asia, soybeans are often eaten whole, but heavily processed soy products are far more common in Western countries.
Various soy products are available, including soybean meal, soy protein, tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, and soyabean oil.
Soybeans contain antioxidants and phytonutrients that are linked to varied health benefits. However, concerns are raised about potential adverse effects.
This article tells you everything you would like to understand about soybeans. (Read The NutritionistOf Perth Research)
Nutrition facts
Soybeans are mainly composed of protein but also contain good amounts of carbs and fat.
The nutrition facts for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of boiled soybeans are :
Calories: 173
Water: 63%
Protein: 16.6 grams
Carbs: 9.9 grams
Sugar: 3 grams
Fiber: 6 grams
Fat: 9 grams
Saturated: 1.3 grams
Monounsaturated: 1.98 grams
Polyunsaturated: 5.06 grams
Omega-3: 0.6 grams
Omega-6: 4.47 g
Protein
Soybeans are among the simplest sources of plant-based protein.
The protein content of soybeans is 36–56% of the dry weight (2Trusted Source, 3Trusted Source, 4Trusted Source).
One cup (172 grams) of boiled soybeans boasts around 29 grams of protein.
The nutritional value of soy protein is sweet, although the standard isn’t quite as high as animal protein.
The main sorts of protein in soybeans are glycinin and conglycinin, which structure approximately 80% of the entire protein content. These proteins may trigger allergies in some people.
Consumption of soy protein has been linked with a modest decrease in cholesterol levels.
Fat
Soybeans are classified as oilseeds and wont to make soyabean oil.
The fat content is approximately 18% of the dry weight — mainly polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with small amounts of saturated fat.
The predominant sort of fat in soybeans is linolic acid, accounting for about 50% of the entire fat content.
Carbs
Being low in carbs, whole soybeans are very low on the glycemic index (GI), which may be a measure of how foods affect the increase in blood glucose after a meal.
This low GI makes soybeans suitable for people with diabetes.
Fibre
Soybeans contain a good amount of both soluble and insoluble fibre.
The insoluble fibres are mainly alpha-galactosides, which can cause flatulence and diarrhoea in sensitive individuals.
Alpha-galactosides belong to a category of fibres called FODMAPs, which can exacerbate the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Despite causing unpleasant side effects in some people, soluble fibres in soybeans are generally considered healthy.
They are fermented by bacteria in your colon, resulting in the formation of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), which can improve gut health and reduce your risk of carcinoma.
SUMMARY
Soybeans are a really rich source of plant-based protein and fat. What’s more, their high fiber content is sweet for your gut health.
Vitamins and minerals
Soybeans are an honest source of varied vitamins and minerals, including :
Molybdenum. Soybeans are rich in molybdenum, an important chemical element primarily found in seeds, grains, and legumes.
Vitamin K1. the shape of vitamin K found in legumes is understood as phylloquinone. It plays a crucial role in blood coagulation.
Folate. Also referred to as vitamin B9, folate has various functions in your body and is taken into account particularly important during pregnancy.
Copper. Dietary intake of copper is usually low in Western populations. Deficiency may have adverse effects on heart health.
Manganese. A chemical element is found in most foods and beverages. Manganese is poorly absorbed from soybeans thanks to their high phytic acid content.
Phosphorus. Soybeans are an honest source of phosphorus, an important mineral abundant within the Western diet.
Thiamine. Also referred to as vitamin B1, thiamine plays a crucial role in many bodily functions.
SUMMARY
Soybeans are an honest source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K1, folate, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and thiamine.