Cardiac

Consumption of soy protein in place of animal protein has been found to reduce serum concentrations of total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins (LDLs), and trigylcerides. Individuals with elevated cholesterol seem to receive the greatest benefit.

Obesity and Diabetes

In recent studies, soy protein contributed to the control of hyperglycemia and reduced body weight, hyperlipidemia, and hyperinsulinemia. These characteristics may be useful to both nondiabetic and diabetic persons in the control of obesity and blood sugar.

Cancer Prevention

Genistein, one of the phytochemicals found in soy, can reduce the risk of cancer.  prevention of breast cancer has received the most attention, and more recent attention has focused on prostate cancer. Genistein blocks cancer development by preventing tumors from creating blood vessels that would provide nourishment for growth .

Vegetarians and Vegans

Vegetarians are individuals who, for various reasons, do not eat meat. Vegans, in comparison, are individuals who do not eat any products from animals, including eggs, milk, and cheese. Vitamin B₁₂ is only found in animal products and, therefore, may be lacking in the diet of vegans. Use of soymilk is one way to obtain this essential vitamin. Cereals and meat substitutes are other options.

Infants

Infants who are not able to tolerate lactose formulas (those based on cow’s milk, casein/whey-based formulas; e.g., Similac, Enfamil, Carnation) may be prescribed soy-based formulas if they are not breastfed

Types and uses

Soybeans are a high protein plant food that people can prepare and eat in a variety of ways.

Soybeans come in many colors, including:

• Green soybeans: Young green soybeans are also called edamame. People can steam them and eat them out of the pod as an appetizer. Shelled edamame is also available in salads, stir-fries, and soups.
• Yellow soybeans: Producers typically use yellow soybeans to make soy milk, tofu, tempeh, and tamari. They also play a role in the production of soy flour for baking.
• Black soybeans: Several Asian food cultures use simmered or fermented black soybeans in traditional dishes.

Soy milk and cheese are also options for those looking to replace dairy in the diet.

Soybeans also provide soy oil, which people can use for cooking or as an ingredient. After removing the oil from soybeans, people can use the remaining material to make food for farm animals and pets.

Some manufacturers make protein powder and isoflavone supplements from soy. Isoflavones are plant compounds that have a similar structure to estrogen.

Less processed organic soy is the most healthful option. Some examples include:

• cooked soybeans
• edamame
• soy milk
• tofu
• tempeh
• soy nuts

Risk

Some people have concerns about the consumption of soy. We cover these concerns in more detail in the sections below.

• Thyroid function

There is some concern that soy intake may interfere with thyroid function.

Researchers found that women with higher soy intake had a higher chance of having elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

A high TSH level may signify an underactive thyroid. Researchers did not find the same results in men.

The authors explain that soy is likely to be safe. However, consuming excessive amounts may create health risks in some people, such as those with undiagnosed hypothyroidism.

• Flatulence and diarrhea

Like most other beans, soybeans contain insoluble fibers, which may cause flatulence and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.If you have IBS, avoiding or limiting the consumption of soybeans may be a good idea.

• Soy allergy

Food allergy is a common condition caused by a harmful immune reaction to certain components in foods.Soy allergy is triggered by soy proteins — glycinin and conglycinin — found in most soy products. Even though soybeans are one of the most common allergenic foods, soy allergy is relatively uncommon in both children and adults

Take Away