Vitasoy Story

Health Benefits of Soy

Soybean: The Nutrition Powerhouse

Excellent source of plant protein

Soybeans are the best protein source originating from the soil. They are the only dried beans that contain all 8 essential amino acids that our body cannot make but are vital to stay healthy. They are source of complete protein, with protein quality almost equivalent to egg, dairy and meat, making it an ideal source of protein for vegetarians and a heart healthy protein source.

Low in saturated fat and cholesterol free

Saturated fat is the main dietary cause of high blood cholesterol. Similar to olive oil, soybean oil is low in saturated fat. All plant oils are free of cholesterol.

About 85% of fat from soybean is polyunsaturated or monounsaturated, which contributes to 56% and 22% of the total fat from soybean, respectively. Polyunsaturated fats reduce the blood cholesterol levels, and provide essential fats that the body needs but cannot produce itself - such as omega 6 and omega 3. Monounsaturated fats reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

Good source of over 14 essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients

Soybeans are excellent source of minerals including:

Phosphorus
for skeletal and teeth formation, also regulates energy released from foods
Magnesium
necessary for normal muscle and nerve activity, important for bone health
Potassium
regulates blood pressure, muscle contraction and heart beat

One cup (174g) of cooked soybean contains equivalent amount of1:

Calcium in 120mL of milk, an important building block for strong bones
20-30% of an adult's daily need of Vitamin B1, B2 and B6, nutrients that help the body use other protein, fat and carbohydrate from food
40% of the daily dietary fiber requirement, important for gut health

Soybean also contains significant amount of lecithin, copper, iron, manganese, selenium, zinc and
vitamin K.

Isoflavone

Isoflavones are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in soybeans which belong to a class of compounds known as flavonoids. They are natural antioxidants and also known as phytoestrogens – plant based estrogens, because it is capable of exerting estrogen-like effects, but much weaker than estrogen. Estrogen works together with progesterone and are responsible for regulating women’s menstrual cycle and reproductive health. Soy is the only food to contain nutritionally significant amounts of isoflavones.

Reference

USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference Release 23
Craig WJ. Health effects of vegan diets. JADA 2009;89:1627-33S.

Updated in Mar 2011