The soybean is a legume, such as lentils, chickpeas and beans, and comes from Japan and China. As early as the seventeenth century, this precious food was present in Europe and later in America.
Today the main soy production in Brazil and the United States.
There are two varieties of soybean: the yellow soybean, which is the most commercialized, and black soybeans. We can consume this food in the form of milk, pasta, bread, oil, sauce, etcetera. This small legume is rich in nutrients that are very good for our body.
1.) Soy is a food that contains a high concentration of isoflavones, substances called phytoestrogens, naturally regulating hormone production in the body. Isoflavones, fail to rebalance both conditions of excess of estrogen (such as, for example, premenstrual syndrome), both conditions of estrogen deficiency (such as, for example, menopause) and report the hormones to proper levels. Because of this, this explains the reason why isoflavones can relieve the symptoms of menopause such as, for example, hot flashes. Isoflavones also help to slow the growth of prostate cancer and act against cancer cells, help to preserve bone consistency fighting osteoporosis and thanks to genistein and daidzein, reduce the risk of cancer.
2.) In addition, the soybean is a legume very digestible than others, has a lot of protein (about 35%), lipids (20%), unlike that of the flesh are unsaturated and no fat, is rich in minerals, carbohydrates, iron, magnesium, calcium, potassium, sodium, phosphorus, sulfur, vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, C and phospholipids such as lecithin.
3.) Soybeans, thanks to lecithin, a natural emulsifier, reduces blood cholesterol, prevents atherosclerosis, the risk of heart attack and stroke, also prevents the formation of gallstones and contributes to the purification of the liver and kidneys. Lecithin, moreover, being a lipid, has the property to emulsify fat and can improve the activity of neurotransmitters and brain activity. That’s why soy is useful in cases of mental fatigue, and because it favors the processes of memory and concentration. For these reasons, according to some studies, soy can help prevent the degeneration that leads to Alzheimer.
