Soy Products
Soybean is acknowledged as the most protective bean. It is the richest plant source of protein, which is why it is often used to replace the animal proteins in an vegetarian's diet. Besides protein, soy has all eight essential amino acids. Soybeans are processed to various products, including soy flour, soy milk, cottage cheese (such as tofu) and fermented products. (Image source: Getty)
Lowers Heart Disease Risk
There is scientific evidence to support that substituting animal products with soy products can help lower cholesterol levels. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have soy in the list of heart healthy foods. (Image source: Getty)
Prevents Prostate Cancer
Soy products contain phytoestrogen, a plant hormone that inhibits the production of testosterone in men. The risk of prostate cancer decreases significantly with reduction of testosterone levels. (Image source: Getty)
Keeps Your Colon Healthy
There is no scientific study to claim that soy products prevent colon cancer, but they do suggest that soy plays a part in keeping the digestive tract healthy. (Image source: Getty)
Improves Bone Strength
Soy products are known to have phytoestrogen that help in accelerating calcium absorption and prevent the loss of bone mass. To improve bone strength, it is recommended to buy soy products fortified with calcium and vitamin D. (Image source: Getty)
Makes your Immune System Stronger
Soy is rich in saponins, a class of natural detergents. These bind cholesterol in the intestine and prevent its absorption. Besides lowering cholesterol, saponins help ward off microbes and boost immune system. (Image source: Getty)
Ward off Diabetes
Owing to hearty fibre content, soy products help lower blood glucose levels. Soy products help a diabetics’ body's cells to recognize insulin, the hormone responsible for absorption of glucose. (Image source: Getty)
Protects Kidneys
Soy products are easy on kidneys. Those who are ailing with kidney diseases can add soy products to their diet. Soy products not only replace animal protein but also reduce the loss of protein in the urine (proteinuria) and lower the rise of triglycerides. (Image source: Getty)
Prevents Breast Cancer
Soy products contain isoflavones, which also function as phytoestrogens. Phytoestrogens are chemicals that block the action of estrogen, prevent the formation of tumours or change the way DNA is processed in cell multiplication. (Image source: Getty)
Ease Menopause Symptoms
During menopause, the production of estrogen drops significantly. As a result, they become vulnerable to depression, mood swings, insomnia and other psychological disorders. The phytoestrogen in soy is one way of estrogen replacement. (Image source: Getty)
