The soybean is a type of legume that contains many nutrients that help fight heart disease. It provides quality protein to populations who cannot afford meat or who are vegetarians. Soybeans are also a low-calorie snack food that is gaining popularity in the United States.
Energy Content
Half a cup of cooked soybeans contains about 150 calories, 14.3 g of protein, 8 g of carbohydrates and 8 g of fat, according to the National Soybean Research Laboratory, or NSRL, in Illinois. Soybeans are one of the few plants that contain all 20 amino acids that your body needs to make a complete, usable protein.
Vitamins and Minerals
Although vitamins and minerals do not provide energy, they help provide protective benefits for your body. Vitamin E in soybeans acts as an antioxidant that prevents cell membrane damage by free radicals, which are byproducts of metabolism and exposure to pollutants, such as cigarette smoke. They are also good sources of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamin B6, vitamin K and iron.
Dietary Fiber
Dietary fibers do not provide you with energy because your body lacks the enzymes that are needed to break them down. However, they help reduce cholesterol in your blood and provide bulk in your stool to prevent constipation. According to NSRL, one cup of cooked soybeans has 6 g of fiber.
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