Health Benefits of Soy

Americans began adding more soy to their diets in recent years because scientific studies suggest that various soy products offer possible health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Studies on the health benefits of soy are promising. Some studies suggest that populations eating diets high in soy-based foods have a lower incidence of breast cancer, prostate cancer and menopausal problems. More studies are needed, but in the meantime, soy foods are readily available in North America and can be easily added to a meal plan.

However, soy health claims are not necessarily applicable to all soy foods – just foods containing soy protein. Therefore, only foods identified as containing "whole soy," or foods that specify soy protein, are likely to offer these health benefits. Research is continuing on the health effects of isoflavones, one of the naturally occurring chemicals found in soy beans. It's important to note that some people may be allergic to soy bean products.

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Soy Fact

A ¼ cup of soy flour, typically from whole beans, contains 11 grams of soy protein.

Kansas Soybean Commission & Association