Login or Register

Is Soy Flour Good for You?

Jul 2, 2011 | By Brian Willett
Is Soy Flour Good for You?
Photo Credit Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images

Soy flour is a baking ingredient made from soybeans, and it can be used as an alternative to wheat-based flours in many recipes. Although soy flour has a significantly different nutritional profile than wheat flour, it offers many nutritional benefits, such as a high protein content. Soy flour can be good for you, although it may not be appropriate for all diet plans.

Low in Calories

Soy flour is relatively low in calories, with 80 in each 1/4 cup serving. This is 20 fewer calories than a 1/4 cup serving of all-purpose flour provides, so soy flour may be more appropriate if you're dieting. Using soy flour instead of another type of flour can help you reduce the calorie content of recipes.

Fat-Free

Soy flour can be a healthy food choice because it contains no fat. While your body does need some dietary fat to survive, too much fat can be detrimental, as it is high in calories. In addition, saturated and trans fat can increase your risk of heart disease.

High in Protein

Soy flour is healthy because it is rich in protein, with 14 g in each 1/4 cup serving. Because wheat flour is low in protein, using soy flour can help create more baked goods with more balanced nutritional values. Increased protein content may also aid in dieting, as research from the July 2005 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicates that high-protein diets help reduce appetite and body weight.

High in Fiber

Soy flour is rich in fiber, as each 1/4 cup serving contains 6 g; all-purpose flour contains none. Consumption of dietary fiber can be helpful for weight loss, as this nutrient promotes feelings of satiety. Additionally, fiber can help reduce your cholesterol levels and promote bowel health.

Low in Carbohydrates

Soy flour can be good if you follow a restricted-carbohydrate diet, as each 1/4 cup serving contains 10 g. This is less than half the amount of carbohydrates in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 22 g.

Rich in Iron

Soy flour is rich in iron, as each 1/4 cup serving contains 14 percent of the daily suggested intake of this mineral. Iron is found in all of your body's cells and helps make proteins that carry blood throughout your body.

Gluten-Free

If you have celiac disease, soy flour can be better for you than wheat-based flours. Celiac disease is a condition in which your body cannot properly digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. When you do consume gluten, the lining of your intestines is damaged, so gluten-free products are preferable.

References

Article reviewed by Jenna Marie Last updated on: Jul 2, 2011

Must see: Photo Galleries

Member Comments