Soybeans are very helpful in maintaining healthier body. It is rich in essential amino acids and protein fibers. Apart from these, soy also contains various vitamins and minerals essential for prosperous body growth.
According to research studies, taking approximately 25 grams of soy protein can help in building healthy body. Soy is also said to contain isoflavones and saponins which have health benefits such as:
- Ease of menopause: Isoflavones are found to reduce hot flushes in menopausal women by regulating estrogen levels. These are also said to increase the bone density.
- Reduces heart disease risks: Soy is found to reduce heart diseases to great extent by various physiological mechanisms. One of them being, prevention of clogging due to formation of atheromatous plaque.
- Protection against prostrate abnormalities: There are many men who suffer from prostrate cancer. Soy is found to reduce this prostrate cancer risk in men. It also found to reduce the rate of tumor formation in such patients by killing the cancerous cells.
- Improved bones: Soy protein helps in growth of bones and also aids in prevention of osteoporosis. It is also believed that soy helps in formation of new bones. Though the soy milk does not contain much of any calcium, the isoflavones called Genistein contributes to keep the bones healthy.
- Protection against cancer: Soy containing isoflavones are found to prevent cancer by acting in a way similar to the anti cancer drugs. It is observed that soy also reduces risk of endometrial cancer via interaction with progesterone and estrogen. It is also found to inhibit angiogenic (blood vessel growth) process in the body which is also an anticancer property.
- Reduces cholesterol levels: Soy is found to reduce the levels of LDL Cholesterol which is harmful for the healthy functioning of heart. The saponins present in the soy are responsible to reduce the cholesterol levels. Where as the Isoflavone Genistein is responsible to increase the elasticity of blood vessel thus preventing chances of blood vessel damage due to high blood pressure.
