Are Soy Beans Poisonous?

Soybeans are a substantial farm crop in the United States, and the National Soybean Research Laboratory claims that soybeans contain at least double the amount of protein, per acre, than any other agricultural crop. Soybeans are a nutritional meat-replacement product and an affordable protein source. Soybeans are not poisonous, but they are a common allergen, making them toxic to people who are sensitive to the vegetable. If you think you may have a soybean allergy talk, to your doctor about your symptoms.

Soybeans

The soybean, or Glycine soja, is an annual plant native to Asia, but cultivated in many places of the world. The beans, which are used in food production and the manufacture of plastics, solvents and lubricants, contain fatty oils, steroids and phospholipids, according to the 'PDR for Herbal Medicines." As a food product, soybeans may reduce unhealthy cholesterol levels and the risk of developing breast cancer, according to the National Soybean Research Laboratory.

Potential Allergen

Despite the contribution of soybeans to a healthy diet, they are among the most common food allergens, reports the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Soy contains at least 15 potential allergens that may trigger symptoms and side effects. If you're allergic to one soybean product, you may not be allergic to other soybean products. The raw beans may trigger an allergic response, while fermented soy products or soybean oil, may not. If you have a soybean allergy, symptoms might include hives, eczema, acne, digestive symptoms, asthma, canker sores and acne. A severe allergy may result in life-threatening anaphylactic shock.

Products

Soy is a very common food additive, so avoiding products that contain soy may be difficult. Read food labels carefully. Avoid products with soy, soya and soy lecithin. Foods that may also contain soy, but may not list it as an ingredient, include hydrolyzed vegetable protein, tofu, tempeh, vegetable oil, glycine max, miso, monosodium glutamate, or MSG, natto, lecithin and vitamin E capsules. If you are allergic to any soy products, get a comprehensive list of products that may contain soy from your doctor.

Considerations

If you're allergic to other legumes, wheat or peanuts, you're more likely to be allergic to soybeans. Soybean derivatives may be in creams, medicines and cosmetics. If you're not allergic to soybeans, they can be a healthy form of highly digestible vegetable protein in your diet.