Soybeans are legume species that have become one of the most widely consumed foods in the world. They have proven to be useful for human health. Being a native to East Asia, they are produced in large quantities in the country as well as in South America. They are officially known as Glycine max and popularly known to be oilseeds instead of legumes. Soybeans have gained popularity in recent times, as people from across the globe have started using its byproducts in the form of soy milk and textured vegetable protein.

Mentioned below are some of the must-know benefits of soy that you should know about.

Healthy weight gain
Soy foods have been associated with appetite suppression, making it beneficial to suppress hunger. Soybeans provide a decent amount of protein and fiber, helping in healthy weight gain when eaten in large quantities. As a result, soybeans are good for both healthy weight loss (due to hunger suppression) and healthy weight gain.

Improved metabolism
If you are experiencing slower digestion, then it could probably be due to a slow metabolic rate. Soybeans are an extremely rich source of protein, a nutrient that helps in improving the metabolic activity and gives of the body a major immunity boost.

Relieving menopause symptoms
Soy-rich foods are a good source of isoflavones (an essential compound in the female reproductive system). The estrogen level drops significantly during menopause. The isoflavones from the soybeans bind to these estrogen receptor cells. Hence, it is beneficial in controlling symptoms like hot flashes, hunger pangs, and mood swings that women might experience during menopause.

Boosting digestion
Soybeans are rich in fiber, which is one of the most common elements in people’s diet. It is an essential part of a diet as it assists in digestion. Fiber bulks up the stool, making it move smoothly through the digestive system. As soybeans are rich in fiber, they help in stimulating the peristaltic motion, which is the contraction of smooth muscles that push food through the system. As a result, soy-rich foods are beneficial in reducing the risk of colorectal cancer.

Improving circulation
One of the best benefits of soybeans is that they assist in efficient blood flow. Soybeans are rich in copper and iron, which are essential in the formation of red blood cells. With the balanced amount of these two minerals and blood formation, it maximizes metabolic activity, thereby, increasing energy levels and avoiding dangerous conditions like anemia.

Strengthening bones
Apart from being rich in iron and copper, soybeans also have good levels of magnesium, zinc, copper, and selenium. These minerals are very important for a variety of processes in the body. One such processes include promoting orthotropic activity, which allows proper bone development. It also speeds up the healing process of the bones.

Preventing cancer
Soybean is known for high levels of antioxidants. This makes them good for fighting the initial symptoms of cancer. Antioxidants neutralize free radicals, which are dangerous cellular metabolism byproducts. They are dangerous because they cause mutation in the healthy cells, thereby, increasing the risk of cancer. Additionally, the high-fiber content present in the soybeans reduces the risk of suffering from colon cancer and also helps in easing digestion. This is because it puts very less strain on the gastrointestinal system.

Prevents birth defects
Recent studies have suggested that the high levels of folic acid and vitamin B in soybeans ensure the prevention of neural tube defects in infants, thereby, preventing birth defects.