Author : Dela Cruz, Leonilo S.; Aragon, Corazon T.; Quicoy, Cesar B.; Billedo, Nikka Marie P.; Paller, Rebeka A.

Summary : Soybean is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk to address malnutrition among children and osteoporosis among the elderly since it is safe for people with lactose intolerance or milk allergy. Moreover, soybeans contain anti-cancer properties (Lima, et al. 2017). Soybeans also have isoflavones and lunasin factors that help prevent diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. It also contains a large amount of quality proteins (312%) and high levels of essential fatty acids. It is a good source of dietary fiber, lecithin, minerals, B vitamins, and vitamin E. More importantly, soybeans are an important source of nutritious foods that are valuable part of the human diet because it provides a complete source of dietary protein unlike most plant proteins. It also contains essential amino acids that are imperative for sustained human life.

Moreover, soybeans reduce cholesterol level, help lose weight, strengthen blood vessel, reduce prostate cancer, lower the risk of breast cancer, protect against postmenopausal syndromes, and prevent osteoporosis, kidney disease, and diabetes (Messina 2016).