Importance of Soya

by Sam Malone

Soya is a food rich in protein content and can be substituted in your daily meal in place of cheese, eggs, fish, milk, or meat. Soya works as a wonderful alternative food for vegetarians and people who are lactose intolerant. There are various forms in which you can consume soya, including soya beans, soya milk, soya bean paste, tofu or soya oil. When eaten in the right amount, soya is packed with nutrients that will help promote excellent health. Two servings of soya should help you absorb all the essential nutrients required by your system.

Nutritional Value of Soya

Soya is a rich source of nutrients including amino acids, iron, minerals, proteins, vitamins, and unsaturated fats. One the best benefits of soya is that it contains absolutely no cholesterol. The importance of soya is that it is a complete protein and is a perfect substitute for proteins from animal food. The reason that soya protein is better than animal-based foods is because soya contains less fat. Soya is also a rich source of dietary fiber which helps your food digest properly. Soya is also a great alternative as it is not an expensive. Soya also cooks well at high temperatures, so you need not worry about losing out on vital nutrients while cooking them.

Health Benefits of Soya

Soya helps fight a number of dangerous diseases with the nutrients that it contains. Soya products are rich in isoflavones, fiber, flavanoids, minerals and vitamins, polyphenols, protease inhibitors, phytate, phytosterols, saponins, and terpenes that have various health benefits. Here are a number of benefits that one can gain by eating soya and soya products.

Blood Pressure and Cholesterol: The protein present in soya along with isoflavones helps decrease LDL cholesterol or bad cholesterol in your system, while also reducing clotting of blood. This puts you at a lower risk of a heart attack or a stroke. The antioxidants present in soya also help promote healthy blood vessels and regulate your blood pressure.
Bone Health: As soya contains proteins, it augments your body’s capability to preserve and absorb calcium in the bones. Though soya products like soya milk and tempeh do not contain high levels of calcium, they decrease the chance of you getting osteoporosis. Isoflavones also help in preventing bone loss. Soya protein also means you lose less calcium while urinating in comparison to those who eat animal protein.
Cancer: Eating soya products especially helps prevent cancers that are hormone-related; these include breast, colon and prostate cancer.
Diabetes: Soya helps people who are suffering from diabetes, as the soluble fiber present in the soya regulates glucose levels.
Energy: Soya provides with energy as it is a protein-rich food that is converted into calories. Soya also contains antioxidants that counteract free radicals that form in your body.
Hair and Skin Care: Studies have shown that soy helps soften hair, nails, and skin; this may be due to the antioxidant properties that soya beans contain.
Heart Health: Eating soy prevents plaque from clogging up the arteries, which is one of the leading causes of a heart attack or stroke.
Kidney Problems: Soluble fiber present in soya helps you digest your food properly and helps you avoid kidney problems.
Menopause: Hot flushes and night sweats that are symptoms of menopause are caused by low levels of estrogen; isoflavones present in soy help control these symptoms, particularly hot flushes.
Weight Loss: Eating soy can help you lose weight as it contains less carbohydrates and more proteins; it also has a low glycemic index and fills your stomach, thus making you eat smaller quantities.

References:

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