Soybean: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction

Soybean is a legume that is a nutritionally, and economically important crop considered one of the major sources of oil. The scientific name of soybean is Glycine max and around 5000 years ago China cultivated it for the first time. Soya beans are a rich source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, low saturated fats, and fibers. The presence of these many biologically active compounds made use of the soybean in the pharmaceutical industry to make medicine and other dietary products¹. Soybean is cultivated as the major oil seed crop and let us discuss the importance and health benefits of soybeans.  

Nutritional Value of Soybean

Soybean contains a variety of nutrients that are given as follows: 

• Water: 8.54 g
• Protein: 36.5 g
• Total Lipid (Fat): 19.9 g
• Carbohydrate: 30.2 g
• Fibre: 9.3 g
• Sugar: 7.33 g
• Calcium: 277 mg
• Iron: 15.7 mg
• Magnesium: 280 mg
• Phosphorus: 704 mg
• Potassium: 1800 mg
• Sodium: 2 mg
• Vitamin C: 6 mg

Properties of Soybean

The constituents present in soybeans may have the following properties: 

• It may have anti diabetic properties 
• It may have an antioxidant effect 
• It may possess anti cancer properties 
• It may have anti inflammatory properties 
• It may have cardio protective properties 
• It may possess anti microbial properties 
• It may have anti obesity properties¹
• It may have cholesterol lowering properties 
• It may possess properties that may protect the liver 
• It may have anti HIV properties³ 

Potential Uses of Soybean

Some of the potential uses of soybeans have been described as follows: 

1. Potential Use of Soybean for Diabetes

Soybean may act as an antidiabetic agent and may help in reducing renal disorders. Soybeans may help in reducing the increased protein content by replacing animal proteins with soybean plant proteins. Soybean plant protein may help in renal hyperfiltration and may reduce renal disease in diabetes type 2. Soybeans contain isoflavonoids and stigmasterol which may act as antidiabetic agents by targeting glucose transporters^1,2. However, consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis in case of high blood sugar. 

2. Potential Use of Soybean for Cancer

Regular intake of soybeans as a part of a regular diet may reduce the risk of cancer. The constituent of soybean that may be responsible for its anti-cancer effect is isoflavone. Soybean may be used for breast, prostate, and colon cancer due to its anti-proliferative properties (property of inhibiting the growth of cancerous cells). However, further studies are required to check the effect of soybeans on cancer in humans³. Cancer is a serious disease therefore, it is essential to get it diagnosed and go for proper treatment instead of self-medication. 

Soybeans are comprised of chemicals, saponins, which are believed to have an anticancerous potential. Besides other health benefits, soybeans may offer protection against cancer⁶.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

3. Potential Use of Soybean for Cardiovascular Diseases

The diseases that affect the heart and the blood vessels are cardiovascular diseases. Coronary heart disease, coronary artery disease and hypertension are a few examples of cardiovascular disease. Isoflavone and phytosterols, present in soybean may play a major role in cardiovascular diseases by lowering cholesterol levels³. Heart diseases can be dangerous therefore, if you should get diagnosed, get proper medical help and special precautions shall be taken if you have a history of heart disease. 

Soybeans are an important part of the diet of Japanese people. The ratio of heart diseases in Japanese people is low, which can be attributed to the isoflavones present in the soy diet consumed by them in large amounts⁹.

Dr. Anuja Bodhare, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

4. Potential Use of Soybean for Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis refers to weaker, brittle bones and joints, which generally happens in older women. Isoflavones in soybean may be used for osteoporosis as they may maintain bone mineral density³. However, further studies are required to check the effect of soybean on osteoporosis in humans. You must consult your doctor if you are experiencing joint pain and take proper treatment instead of self-medicating. 

Soybeans have plenty of nutrients which make your bones stronger such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, proteins. This makes soybeans particularly good for the bones⁷.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

5. Potential Use of Soybean for Weight Management

Soybean is a good source of protein and regular intake of soybeans in your diet may help in taking less food in humans which, may help in lowering obesity. Studies in animals and humans have shown that soy proteins may reduce body weight and body fat mass³. However, you must consult a nutritionist before making any changes in your diet. 

6. Potential Use of Soybean for Lowering Blood Pressure

The high protein content of soybeans may help maintain proper blood pressure. Soy protein is generally hypotensive that is, it may help to reduce blood pressure⁴. However, further studies are required to check the effect of soybeans on lowering blood pressure in humans. You must check your blood pressure and consult a doctor if your blood pressure is not within the normal range. 

The intake of soybeans may play a role in keeping blood sugar levels under control during pregnancy. The isoflavones in soy products are implicated in the regulation of glucose metabolism, keeping blood glucose levels within normal range⁸.

Dr. Smita Barode, B.A.M.S, M.S.

7. Potential Use of Soybean for Skin Health

Isoflavones present in soybeans may help to improve overall skin health. Soybeans may increase collagen synthesis, a protein that may improve the skin elasticity, and water-holding capacity of the skin, reducing pigmentation, and wrinkles⁴. However, you must consult a doctor if you see any abnormality in your skin instead of self medicating. 

8. Potential Use of Soybean for Depression

Soybean may be beneficial in managing depression and Isoflavones present in soybean may have anti-depressant properties. Studies have shown that the consumption of soybeans may reduce depressive symptoms⁴. However, further studies are required to check the anti-depressant properties of soybeans. You must consult a psychiatrist if you have depression or depressive symptoms. 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of soybeans in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of soybeans on human health. 

How to Use Soybean?

Soybeans can be eaten as a part of the diet and cooked before eating. Soybeans are used in the preparation of soups, salads, and stews.   

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking soybeans in large quantities. Likewise, do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor. 

Also Read: Tofu: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Side Effects of Soybean

The side effects of soybeans may include: 

• Allergy 
• Constipation 
• Diarrhea 
• May alter thyroid function in people with iodine deficiency⁵ 

Also Read: Rajma (Kidney Beans): Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Precautions to Take with Soybean

The following precautions shall be taken before consuming soybean: 

• People with a soy allergy should be cautious before consuming soybean⁵
• Soybeans may be unsafe during pregnancy due to the presence of an estrogen like substance. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women should consult a doctor before consuming soybeans⁵.

Soybeans seem to be a perfect food for vegetarians, but you should be cautious of the harmful effects of soybeans in certain conditions like allergy to soy products, pregnancy, thyroid disease or breast cancer¹⁰.

Dr. Ashok Pal, BAMS

Interactions with Other Drugs

Soybean may interact with levothyroxine (which is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism)⁴.

You must consult your doctor before consuming soybeans if you are undergoing medical treatment. 

Also Read: Besan: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Dukariya G, Shah S, Singh G, Kumar A. Soybean and its products: Nutritional and health benefits. J Nut Sci Heal Diet. 2020;1(2):22-9.  Available from: https://journalofnutrition.org 
2. FoodData Central. Soybeans, mature seeds, raw.[Internet]. U. S. Department of Agriculture.  [cited 2022 Aug 4].Available from:https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/174270/nutrients 
3. Dixit A, Antony JI, Sharma NK, Tiwari Rk.12. Soyabean constituents and their functional benefits. Research Signpost. 2011;37(661):2.Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/304524926_Soybean_constituents_and_their_functional_benefits 
4. Messina M. Soy and health update: evaluation of the clinical and epidemiologic literature. Nutrients. 2016 Nov 24; 8(12):754. Available from: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/8/12/754
5. Soy | National Centre for Complementary and Integrative Health [Internet]. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services [cited 2022 Aug 4]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/soy 
6. Oh YJ, Sung MK. Soybean saponins inhibit cell proliferation by suppressing PKC activation and induce differentiation of HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. Nutr Cancer. 2001;39(1):132-8. doi: 10.1207/S15327914nc391_18. PMID: 11588895. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11588895/#:~:text=Soybeans%20are%20major%20dietary%20sources,in%20human%20colon%20cancer%20cells
7. Reinwald S, Weaver CM. Soy components vs. whole soy: are we betting our bones on a long shot? J Nutr. 2010 Dec;140(12):2312S-2317S. doi: 10.3945/jn.110.124008. Epub 2010 Oct 27. PMID: 20980647; PMCID: PMC2981009. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2981009/
8. Pang X, Cai C, Dong H, Lan X, Zhang Y, Bai D, Hao L, Sun H, Li F, Zeng G. Soy foods and nuts consumption during early pregnancy are associated with decreased risk of gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2022 Dec;35(25):9122-9130. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2021.2017872. Epub 2022 Mar 28. PMID: 35345969. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35345969/
9. Yamori Y, Sagara M, Arai Y, Kobayashi H, Kishimoto K, Matsuno I, Mori H, Mori M. Soy and fish as features of the Japanese diet and cardiovascular disease risks. PLoS One. 2017 Apr 21;12(4):e0176039. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0176039. Erratum in: PLoS One. 2017 Oct 11;12(10):e0186533. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186533. PMID: 28430815; PMCID: PMC5400241. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28430815/
10. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). Soy: Usefulness and Safety. National Institutes of Health. Updated April 2025. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/soy#:~:text=The%20most%20common%20side%20effects,cancer%20to%20eat%20soy%20foods.

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