Soy beans are recognized as an excellent alkaline protein food 36 g or 73% d.v. from a small 100 gram serve, now that’s protein power, in fact, soy beans are the fourth pest protein food after tuna, fish and eggs.
Soy beans provide the essential fatty acids linoleic acid – omega 6 and linolenic acid – omega 3, that’s a real bonus and adds to the need for more soy in the diet. The excellent supply of lecithin is vital for protection from excess cholesterol from animal product foods, soy beans supply no cholesterol and soy oil provides a fair supply of omega 3, 7g. Lecithin is a brain food and if your feeling fatigued, it may be a lack of iron, but add a little lecithin to your breakfast cereal, or omelette, or muesli and wake up your brain and nervous system. Most lecithin supplements are extracted from the might soy bean.
Soy beans are an excellent food for diabetics, especially non-insulin dependant, as the protein and fibre 9 g or 37% d.v. may prevent high blood sugar levels and also keeps sugar levels stable. In addition, soy beans help to lower the harmful high triglyceride levels in diabetics. For people with irritable bowel syndrome, soy bean fibre may reduce such symptoms as diarrhea and constipation. Soy beans provide a nearly unique source of genistein, an isoflavone providing protection against prostrate cancer, as genistein blocks cancer cells from reproducing.
Soy beans are an excellent source of the hard to find trace mineral molybdenum, one cup of soy beans provides nearly 80% d.v. and it is vital for the brain and nervous system. Soy beans are a very good source of iron 8 mg plus a very good source of magnesium 280 mg or 70% d.v. plus phosphorus 704 mg or 70% d.v. In regards to folate, soy beans 375 mg and soy flour 410 mg are a top provider.
Soy beans supply abundant vitamin k 190 mcg. Vitamin K is required for blood circulation and it assists the functions of the liver and heart. In combination with vitamin c it has been effective in the prevention of excessive blood loss after operations. Vitamin K is a fat soluble vitamin and the older we are, the more vitamin k is required.
