8 huge health benefits of soy and 9 reasons to avoid it

Soybean: The Bean That’s So Popular, It’s Even in Your Tofu

What do you call a soybean that’s been hit by lightning? A bean-zapped!

Soybeans are a legume that is native to East Asia. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Soybeans are also a good source of isoflavones, which are plant compounds that have been shown to have health benefits.

Soybeans are used in a variety of products, including tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, tempeh, and edamame. They are also used as a food additive in many other products.

Soybeans are a sustainable crop, which means that they can be grown without harming the environment. They are also a crop that can be grown in a variety of climates.

Here are some of the health benefits of soybeans:

• Reduced risk of heart disease: Soybeans contain isoflavones, which have been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Reduced risk of cancer: Soybeans contain isoflavones, which have also been shown to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
• Improved bone health: Soybeans contain isoflavones, which have been shown to improve bone health and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.
• Improved blood sugar control: Soybeans contain fiber, which can help improve blood sugar control.
• Improved gut health: Soybeans contain prebiotics, which are a type of fiber that can help improve gut health.
• If you are looking for a healthy and versatile food, soybeans are a great option. They are a good source of nutrients and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways.

Benefits of eating soybeans

1. Rich source of protein

2. Rich in linoleic acid that is good for cardiac health.

3. Promotes digestion and helps preventing colon cancer.

4. Increases bone density and eases symptoms of menopause. Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/370325-what-are-the-health-benefits-of-soybeans/

5. Rich in vitamin B complex and Iron.

6. Rich in probiotics in the form of fermented products such as tempeh and miso.

7. Rich in isoflavones that fights osteoporosis, cancer and heart disease.

8. A nutrient and rich alternative for meat. Source: http://www.medindia.net/patients/lifestyleandwellness/health-benefits-of-soybean.htm

Interactions of eating soybean

1. Can induce allergy in susceptible individuals.

2. Tyramine in fermented soy products such as tofu can interact with MAOIs

3. Antibiotics can interfere with soy metabolism.

4. Soy products can interact with estrogen.

5. Can interact with tamoxifen.

6. Can interact with warfarin.

7. Can interact with medications metabolised by liver through Cytochrome P450 2C9( Cytochrome 2C9) substrates. Source: http://www.rxlist.com/soy-page3/supplements.htm#Interactions

8. Soybeans can interact with thyroid medications.

9. Can interact with oxozolidinone antibacterials.

10. Can interact with anti-mycobacterials. Source: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/generaluseofmedicine/ucm229033.pdf

11. Can interact with valproic acid. Source: http://www.nature.com/srep/2014/140312/srep04362/full/srep04362.html

12. Can have an impact on fertility in infants fed with soy based formula. Source: http://healthybabycode.com/5-myths-about-pregnancy-nutrition-4-soy-is-a-healthy-alternative-to-meat-dairy

13. Possible interaction of soy flour with azaserine Source: http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/7195064

14. Soy bean lecithin can interact with jejunal mucosa. Source: http://www.nature.com/pr/journal/v16/n9/abs/pr1982186a.html

15. Can interact with medications used for osteoporosis and breast cancer. Source: http://nutrition.yoexpert.com/nutrition-general/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-eating-too-much-soy-37733.html

16. Demerits of soy products:

17. Can lower thyroid function.

18. May stimulate the growth of breast cancer cells.

19. May induce allergy in susceptible individuals. Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/343425-benefits-and-dangers-of-eating-soy/

20. Oxalates in soy can cause kidney stones in susceptible individuals. Source: http://nutrition.yoexpert.com/nutrition-general/what-are-the-disadvantages-of-eating-too-much-soy-37733.html

Health conditions to avoid soy:

1. People allergic to soy should avoid it.

2. Children with cystic fibrosis should avoid soy products.

3. People with breast cancer should avoid soy.

4. Should avoid soy products in individuals with endometrial cancer.

5. Should be avoided by people with kidney stones.

6. People with bladder cancer must avoid soy.

7. People with hypothyroidism should avoid soy.

8. People with asthma and hay fever should avoid soy.

9. More than recommended levels of soy should be avoided by pregnant and breast feeding mothers. Source: http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-975-soy.aspx?activeingredientid=975&activeingredientname=soy

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch: https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-sliced-tofu-on-bowl-4518581/

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