The Soybean

Elements of the Bean

Soy Protein

The protein in the soybean contains all of the essential amino acids necessary for humans and can sustain health at all stages of development.

Soy Oil

Soybeans, in comparison to other beans, grains and cereals, comtain a high amount of fat. Fortunately, the fat found naturally in the soybean, and that which ends up in soy by products can be categorized as a healthy fat.

Approximately 50 percent of the fat in soybeans is linoleic acid, a polyunsaturated fat and an essential nutrient. In addition, soy oil can contain as much as 8 percent alphs-linoleic acid which is an omega-3 fatty acid, the type found in fish which is bellieved to be beneficial in lowering risk of diseases. Extensive research indicates that omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and help prevent risk factors associated with chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and arthritis. These essential fatty acids are highly concentrated in the brain and appear to be particularly important for cognitive (brain memory and performance) and behavioral function.

Vitamins and Minerals

The major mineral components of soybeans are potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, and phosphorus. Mineral content can wu=idely cary due to both to the type of soil and growing conditions of the soybean. Soybeans contribute to over all nutritional well being.

The water soluble vitamins in soybeans are thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pnatothenic acid, biotin, folic acis, inositol and choline. Fat-soluble vitamins present in the soybean are vitamions A and E. Vitamin A exists as provitamin beta carotine and is present in higher levels of hte immature green vegetable soybean, than in the mature or dry soybean. Tocopherols are an important constituent of soy oil due both to the vitamin E supplied for human nutrition and the antioxidant properties of tocopherol that protect the oil.

Isoflavones

Soy isoflavones are not only special because of the effect they are believed to have on health, but also because for all the most potential to prevent or treat certain cancers. Isoflavones are also sometimes referred to as phytoestrogens (plant estrogens) because of their similar chemical make up to estrogen (although the estrogenic effect of isoflavones is weaker than the natural hormone).

In Soy...

• There are lipid soluble antioxidants which target lipid rich (fat-containing) parts of cells such as the cell membrane.
• There are aqueous or water-soluble antioxidants which protect the water containing interior portions of cells.
• There are intrinsic antioxidants which can be applied or ingested
• And there are intrinsic antioxidants which are present inside cells.

Soy Rocks.

Melani