Soybean Benefits, Uses and Harmful Side Effects
Overview
Soybean is a health beneficial vegetable that is included in daily food items. Apart from vegetables, food items made from legumes or pods also have many benefits for the body. They contain various vitamins, proteins, minerals and other nutrients. These foods which are full of such nutrients help in keeping various physical problems or diseases away.
Plant Description
Soybeans are plants of ‘Fabaceae’ families and ‘Papilionaceae’ sub-families. The plants can be up to 1.5 m high depending on its variety. Its steep stems are covered with thick brown hair. Leaves are compounded with 3 sheets. They are optional, with triplets, leaflets and short pedankles with ovaries. Blurry, dark white to purple flowers are clustered in small clusters in excels (where leaves meet stem). The fruit is about 10 cm (3 inches) long, yellow to brown with a wide, long, flat legume or pod, mature and dry. Fruits are called pods up to 8 centimeters long, 1 to 4 seeds that can be yellow, black or green in color.
Benefits of Soybean
Soybeans can be of different sizes and often have a black, brown coat color, blue, yellow, green and spotted. Mature lining bins are hard, water-resistant and protect the cotyledon and hypocotyl from damage. If the seed cover is cracked, the seed cannot grow.
Cultivation
Generally, the production of soybeans planted in early May is best. However, its production also depends on other factors. The growing conditions of the crop during planting may later affect the success of its seed color and seed power. Soybeans require minimum soil temperature (55 to 600 Fahrenheit) to grow. The rate of growth of this plant increases at high temperatures. Seeds that do not easily come out of the ground can be damped by getting more moisture. Soybeans are well drained, fertile, loam soil with 5.8 to 6.5 pH. Its cultivation is not good in areas where rainfall is very high.
The following article will discuss the benefits, uses and possible side effects of one of such a nutritious food- Soybean.
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Different species of Soybean found in India
- JS 95-60
- Pratam Soya (Rous 5)
- Pratam Soya (RKS 18)
- TAMS 98-21
- PS 1347
- JS 97-52
- SL 688
- VL Soya 59
- VL Soya 63
- PS 1225
- VL Soya 65
- LSB – 3
- MAUS – 158
- PUSA 97-12
- Birsa Safed Soybean- 2
- NRC -77
- PS – 19
- MACS – 1188
- RKS -24
- GC – 00209-4-1-1 (Karune)
- DSB – 1
- SL 744
- RVS 2001-4
- JS 20-29
- JS 20-34
- MAUS – 2 (Pooja)
- DSB – 21
- RKS – 45 (Pratap Soya 45)
- NRC – 86 (Ahilya- 6)
- KPS – 344
Scientific Classification of Soybean
- Kingdom : Plantae
- Clade : Angiosperms
- Clade : Eudicots
- Clade : Rosids
- Order : Fabales
- Family : Fabaceae
- Sub-Family : Faboideae
- Genus : Glycine
- Species : G. max
- Scientific name: Glycine max
Nutritious Substances of Soybean
Nutritional values of each 100gms of Soybean are as mentioned –
- Energy : 446 kilocalorie
- Carbohydrate : 30.16 gm
- Sugar : 7.33 gm
- Fiber : 9.3 gm
- Fat : 19.94 gm
- Protein : 36.49 gm
- Vitamins-
- Vitamin A : 01 microgram
- Thiamine/B1 : 0.874 mg
- Riboflavin : 0.87 mg
- Niacin/b3 : 1.623 mg
- Pantothenic acid : 0.793 mg
- Vitamin B6 : 0.377 mg
- Folate : 375 microgram
- Choline : 115.9 mg
- Vitamin C : 6 mg
- Vitamin E : 0.85 mg
- Vitamin K : 47 mg
- Minerals-
- Calcium : 277 mg
- Copper : 1.658 mg
- Iron : 15.7 mg
- Magnesium : 280 mg
- Manganese : 2.517 mg
- Phosphorus : 704 mg
- Potassium : 1797 mg
- Sodium : 2 mg
- Zinc : 4.89 mg
- Water : 8.54 mg
Benefits of Soybean
- Boosts Metabolism:
Soybeans are a good source of protein and about 20% of them are Beta Conglycinin proteins. Adequate protein in the diet ensures that the metabolic activity of the body works well and enhances overall well-being. The protein properties present in soybeans oversee the growth, repair and renewal of cells. In addition, soybeans are a perfect alternative to animal proteins such as red meat, chicken, eggs, fish and dairy products that help vegetarians meet their protein demands.
- Good for Heart Health:
Soybeans are a great source of healthy omega-6 fatty acids such as linolenic acid and alpha-linolenic acid that LDL. Helps in reducing cholesterol and prevents the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. Regular addition of these protein and fiber rich pulses to daily meals smoothes muscle function, increases the elasticity of the arterial wall and keeps blood pressure controlled which helps in increasing optimal heart function.
- Prevents Cancer:
Antioxidants and proteins that are abundant in soybeans work effectively to fight cancer-infected cells and prevent tumor cell growth. Free radicals also have the ability to convert healthy cells in the body into infected cells. According to a study, regular consumption of adamum and soy sub-products can cure breast cancer patients. Moreover, soybeans are a good source of dietary fiber that is beneficial for reducing the risk of colorectal and colon cancer.
- Good for Bone Health:
Essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, copper, selenium, zinc and vitamins present in soybeans keep them strong by maintaining bone density. The important minerals available in soybeans are effective in reducing bone damage and improving the mineral density of bone in postmenopausal women. Soybean can be added to your regular diet to prevent the risk of osteoporosis.
- Reduces Menopause Symptoms:
Soybeans contain ice flavones that serve as an important ingredient for maintaining the health of women’s reproductive system. Estrogen hormones are significantly reduced during menopause which can show symptoms such as sweating, hot muscles and mood swings. The family of phytoestrogens in soybeans, iso-flavonoids, eases postmenopausal symptoms.
- Improves Sleep:
One of the important benefits of soybeans is that it can help relieve symptoms of sleep disorders. According to health experts, soybeans are effective in reducing insomnia, along with other sleep disorders. Soybeans can be added to your daily diet as it contains high levels of magnesium, which will help you to increase your sleep quality, comfort and duration.
- Beneficial in Diabetes:
Eating soybeans is an effective way to control and prevent diabetes. Soybeans are incredibly low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent diabetic-resistant food. Soybeans keep blood sugar levels under control and ensure that it does not increase due to ice-flavon. Scientists say soy ice-flavon helps in improving insulin sensitivity, causing cells to absorb more glucose and respond more to insulin.
- Maintains Blood circulation:
Iron and copper present in soybeans are two essential minerals which are important ingredients for the production of red blood cells. According to health experts, with the body having the right amount of red blood cells, essential organ systems, including the body’s limbs, can achieve proper oxygen and blood flow that should work efficiently. As red blood cells increase, the body experiences maximum metabolic activity.
- Good for Digestion:
Soybeans contain high amounts of dietary fiber. Dietary fiber is essential for the entire functioning of the body and plays an important role in the digestive system. Fiber helps in increasing your stool, which makes it move smoothly through the intestines and drain softens the body easily. People suffering from constipation are advised to take fiber rich foods as it helps in proper bowel movements.
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- Good for Pregnancy:
Soybeans are rich in folic acid and vitamin B complex which is very essential for pregnant women. Pregnant women are asked to take soy-based organic products as folic acid present in soybeans helps prevent nerve tube defects in infants, ensures a healthy delivery as well as ensures baby well-being.
Uses of Soybean
- Soybeans are used to make flour and dairy products such as milk, margarine and yogurt.
- Oil can be extracted from both seeds and pods and used as fodder by extraction materials. Plant oil is used in products such as color, linoleum and soap.
- Soybeans are also cultivated as cover crops and used as animal fodder or straw.
Harmful Side Effects of Soybean
Soybeans have many health benefits although consuming soybeans as part of a daily diet in huge amount can be seen to give the following possible negative aspects:
• Soybeans, as they contain estrogen-duplicated compounds, can sometimes develop hormonal imbalances when consuming high amounts of soybean or soy milk. In men, this can lead to infertility, sexual disorders, reduced sperm count, and even increased chances of some cancers.
• Soybeans contain certain thyroid-resistant compounds that can disrupt thyroid gland activity and can lead to Goitre, as well as normal hormonal activity in the body.
Conclusion
The above article informs you about the benefits of soybeans and other related details. We hope the information mentioned in this article benefits you in various ways. Thank you!
FAQ
1) Are there any side effects of soybeans?
A. Soybeans can cause mild stomach and bowel side effects such as constipation, swelling, and nausea. It can also lead to allergic reactions that include rash, itching, and breathing problems in some people.
2) What side effects does soybean have in a male body?
A- Soybeans can play an important role in men’s diet by providing high quality protein and healthy fats. Soy protein supports normal blood cholesterol levels and is a good alternative to high-quality, plant-based proteins for those who want to increase muscle mass.
3) Which country exports the most soybeans?
A- In 2020, Brazil was the largest exporter of soybean, accounting for about 44.3% of the total global export value.
4) In which place is the harvested soybean kept?
A. After harvesting soybeans are stored in grain containers or sold to Cenex Harvest States – a soybean processing plant. The plant is about five miles away and we put them in a truck and distribute them to the plant. The CHS processes soybeans into soybean diets that are used for livestock feed.
5) Does soybean gain weight?
A- Research shows that when soybean consumption increases, weight decreases. A new study can help scientists understand how that weight loss occurs. Research shows that when soy consumption increases, weight loss occurs.