Wednesday, August 13, 2008

SOYBEAN a MIRACLE-BEAN

We all have heard about the benefits of soybean through one or other means but not about the miracles. If we deeply study the composition of this legume we can’t stop ourselves calling it a miracle bean. It is a unique dietary source of isoflavones or phytoestrogens.soy protein directly lowers serum cholesterol levels.Isoflavones are often referred to as phytoestrogens or plant estrogens because they have a structure similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. Initially interest of scientists in isoflavones focused on their possible anticancer effects but it is clear that this view of isoflavones is far too limiting. Isoflavones are now thought to reduce risk of a wide array of diseases including osteoporosis and coronary heart disease (CHD).

Soy food modestly reduces hot flash (menopause) severity and frequency. Because of the purported effects on CHD, OSTEOPOROSIS, soy foods/isoflavones are viewed by some as possible alternatives to hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Soyabean is one of the very few plants that provide a high quality Protein with minimum saturated fat. Soybeans help people feel better and live longer with an enhanced quality of life. Soybeans contain all the three macronutrient (Protein, Carbohydrates, and Fats) required for good nutrition, as well as fiber, Vitamins, minerals. Soyabeans Protein provide all the essential amino acids in the amounts needed for human health. Soyabean have almost 40% protein.

Soybeans oil is also rich in omega -3 and 6 fatty acids similar to those found in fish oils and cholesterol –free. Soybeans are an excellent source of dietary fiber with both soluble and insoluble fiber. Soluble fiber may help lower serum cholesterol and control blood sugar. Insoluble fiber increases stool bulk, may prevent colon cancer and can help relieve symptoms of some digestive disorders. Soybeans has more than two times the amount of most of all minerals, especially calcium, iron, phosphorus and the zinc, than any other legume and very low sodium content. Soybeans have all the important vitamins and are a very good source for B complex vitamins and vitamin E.

Therefore we all need to open our eyes and look around to find out various Soya foods like tofu (SoyPaneer), Soymilk, soynuggets, soynuts, soyoil, soybread.soybiscuits, soyflour, soypapad etc. An approximate consumption of 25gm. Soy protein per person per day can reduce a lot of problems.

Mamta Garg Ref (ASA) Brouchures