Soybeans have gained much popularity, especially amongst vegetarians, in the past decade because it is a source of complete protein. A complete protein is one that contains significant amounts of all essential amino acids that the human body needs to function properly. However, the principal constituent of soybeans is carbohydrates. To be more specific, mature soybeans are packed with saccharides (complex sugars). Many of these are indigestible and thus, are classified as dietary fiber. More recently, the hype with soybeans has been focused on its content of isoflavones, an antioxidant that helps fight cancer. Countless research has been carried out on isoflavones to find out more about this powerful antioxidant.
The chemical structure of isoflavones is very much similar to that of our own estrogen; however, the effectiveness of isoflavones is around 0.1% of the actual hormone. Because of this similarity in structure and difference in effectiveness, isoflavones may imitate estrogen in our system and increase or decrease the activity of estrogen, whichever is required by the body. For example, an excess level of estrogen is sometimes the cause of certain types of breast and prostate cancers. Isoflavones may protect against these cancers by replacing estrogen for the same receptor sites in the body and lower the health risks of excess estrogen.
Apart from cancer fighting properties, research in numerous areas of health care has also shown that consumption of isoflavones may play a role in lowering the risks of heart disease and osteoporosis. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that soybean isoflavones may help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and increase bone density in women. In fact, soybean isoflavones help in the preservation of bone substance. This is the reason why, despite their low consumption of dairy products, people in China and Japan very rarely have osteoporosis.
References:
(1) http://www.isoflavones.info/
(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soybean
(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isoflavone
