Most people aren’t too sure. 😄
What are soybeans?
Soy (glycine max) is a leguminous plant native to Asia.
Its beans have been consumed for thousands of years for their nutritional and medicinal properties.
Composition
- Protein.
- Fibers.
- Glutamic acid.
- Vitamins B1, B6 and E.
- Phosphorus.
- Lipids.
- Isoflavones.
- Fatty acids.
- Phytoestrogens.
- Myristic acid.
- Essential amino acids.
- Potassium.
- Saponins.
- Lecithin.
- Phytosterols.
- Magnesium.
- Iron.
- Zinc.
- Calcium.
Soya beans are therefore nutritiously rich foods.
Their proteins are a welcome addition to a vegetarian or vegan diet.
In what forms is it eaten?
Here are the most common:
- Cooked:
- Cooked seeds.
- Soy milk.
- Textured vegetable protein.
- Edamame.
- Coagulated :
- Tofu.
- Fermented :
- Miso.
- Nattō.
- Tempeh.
- Soy sauce, tamari.
- Raw :
- Soy sprouts.
- Soybean oil.
- Some yogurts.
Therapeutic benefits
Soy is particularly appreciated by the skin and the brain.
It has traditionally been used for the following benefits:
- Phytoestrogenic.
- Anti-estrogenic.
- Antioxidant.
- Nutritional.
- Immunomodulator.
- Anti-inflammatory.
- Detoxifying.
- Neuroprotective.
- Hormonal.
- Antimicrobial.
- Cardioprotective.
Diseases
Soybeans have shown promising results in cases of :
- Post-menopausal syndromes.
- Multiple sclerosis.
- Hypercholesterolemia.
- Chronic kidney disease.
- Cancer.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Nephrotic syndrome.
- Metabolic syndrome.
- Osteoporosis.
- Lewy body dementias.
Contraindications
However, this legume is not always recommended.
GMO
80% of soy beans grown today are transgenic: humans have modified living organisms without fully understanding the consequences. Most genetically modified soybeans are likely to be harmful to health in the long term.
Organic soya that has not been genetically modified is therefore to be favored.
Phytoestrogens
Soy phytoestrogens have chemical structures similar to the hormone estrogen.
Although they are usually healthy, there are risks associated with their consumption in some people:
- Hormonal interference.
- Infertility.
- Allergies.
Raw soybeans
Nearly 50% of people have difficulty assimilating the soya bean:
- Raw.
- Undercooked.
- Poorly fermented.
It contains enzyme inhibitors, which interfere with protein digestion.
Moderate consumption
Soy contains glucosinolates, in small quantities. These molecules can be toxic in high doses.
Similarly, saponins can disrupt the immune response in excess.
It is therefore preferable not to consume too much soybeans.
Conclusion
Is soybean healthy?
If it’s organic and GMO-free, yes in most cases.
However, it’s not always a recommended food.
It’s important to use my felt sense to know when to eat it, and in what form.