In the present scenario health foods have special role in our life. Soybean contains significant amount of biologically active compounds that impart health benefits beyond basic nutrition.
Health benefits of soybean
Soya protein is hypocholesterolemic, adding soya protein to the diet lowers the blood cholesterol.
Cholesterol lowering effects of soyabean act as a weapon in the fight against CHD.
Daily intake of 20-50 gm of isolated soya protein can result in 20-30 per cent reduction in heart risk.
Soyabean isoflavones (Daidzein and Genestin) are found to reduce the risk of breast cancer, lung, colon, rectum, stomach and prostrate cancers.
Genestein acts against cancer by interfering with cancer promoting enzymes, by blocking the activity of hormones in body and by interfering with the process by which tumors receive nutrients and oxygen.
Phyto estrogens in soya improve the menopausal symptoms of night sweat and hot flushes.
Soya foods may help to prevent and treat osteoporosis, soya isoflavones inhibit bone resorption.
Consumption of 40 gm of soya protein isolate daily for six months increases the mineral content and density in lumber bones.
Vegetarians who have frequent servings of soya in diet suffer from half the gallstones of meat eaters.
Antioxidant rich soya can prevent Alzheimer’s disease caused by an estrogen deficiency in post menopausal women.
Soya products
Soya products with different flavors are available like soya milk, soya paneer, soya protein drinks containing soya protein isolates and soya nuggets.
Many pastas such as macroni, spaghetti and noodles are being fortified with soya proteins to make them rich in proteins.
Soups, gravies, sauces and confections are available. Soya protein isolates, non dairy cream cheese like products are available.
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