Soybeans are a type of legume which is often consumed due to its high protein content, particularly for vegetarians and vegans. Soy can be converted into different food products such as tofu and tempeh and may also be added to foods such as cereals, breads and meat products, KidsHealth explains. Soy-based products have a number of characteristics that make them part of a healthy diet.
What Are "Perfect" Proteins?
There are 20 different amino acids that the body uses to make all of the different proteins in the body. Your body has the ability to synthesize 10 of these amino acids, the University of Arizona notes, which are termed the "inessential" amino acids. The remaining amino acids are called "essential" amino acids because they must be obtained from dietary sources. "Perfect" or "complete" proteins are proteins which contain all of the amino acids.
Soy Protein Characteristics
Soy is the only vegetable protein which can be considered to be a complete or perfect protein, a 2003 article in the "Journal of Perinatal Education" reports, which makes it especially important for people who do not consume animal products. Soy is also free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat. It contains significant amounts of iron, calcium, fiber, B vitamins and zinc. Products with soy protein isolate or soy flour have more protein than pure soybeans or tofu, Medline Plus notes.
Soy and Isoflavones
Soy protein also has other compounds which make it interesting from a nutritional perspective. As the Harvard School of Public Health explains, soy contains compounds known as isoflavones. Isoflavones can serve as anti-oxidants and are chemically similar to the human hormone estrogen, so they are sometimes referred to as "phytoestrogens." The effects of these phytoestrogens on the human body is still unclear, because these compounds could either stimulate or block estrogen-responding cells.
Soy Protein Benefits
Daily soy consumption of 25 g or more, combined with a diet low in saturated fat and and cholesterol can reduce your risk of developing heart disease, Medline Plus states. Soy protein may also be able to reduce some of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and osteoporosis. Soy protein may also lower your risk of developing certain forms of cancer, such as prostate, endometrial, breast and cervical cancer, though more research needs to be done on this potential soy protein benefit.
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