Soybean or soya bean is a kind of legumes. Asia and North America are among producers of this legume. Soybean is nutritious legume that can be created into many products like tofu, soy oil, soy sauce, soy milk and other products. In Indonesia there is Tempe. Tempe is fermented soybean with a certain yeast.

Soybean is nutritious. However, there are some side effects that need attention for those who have allergy to soybean. The most common allergy is caused by glycinin , conglycinin , alpha-galactosides, which may cause flatulence and diarrhea in sensitive individuals.

SOY BEAN NUTRITION

I am trying to summarize the nutrition and the benefit from many sources. OK, let’s read carefully and correct me if I am wrong.

FIBER

Soybean contains high soluble and insoluble fiber. The fibers are mostly alpha-galactosides. They are one of the cause of allergy to sensitive people that outcome in diarrhea. However, the fibers are still healthy for normal people.

FAT

Soybean has polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids, with small amounts of saturated fat.

CARBOHYDRATE

Carbohydrate in soybean has low glycemic index which is suitable to ones who have diabetes.

VITAMINS AND MINERALS

Soybean is rich with vitamins and minerals. There are vitamin K, B1, B9. The minerals are manganese, phosphorous, and copper.
Copper is good for your heart health.

ANTIOXIDANTS AND PLANT COMPOUNDS

Beside vitamins and minerals, soybean contains a lot of antioxidants. These are antioxidants in soybeans Isoflavones, phytic acid and saponins. One of the main classes of plant compounds in soybeans. Saponins can reduce cholesterol in animals while isoflavones are antioxidants that have benefit to prevent cancer risk. Phytic acid is an acid that influences the absorption of iron and zinc.

SIDE EFFECTS OF SOYBEAN CONSUMPTION

Though soybean has much benefit to our body, we should also care or pay attention to the harmful effects. Consumption of soybean products together should be avoid. Too much intake of soybean products will cause suppression of thyroid function. That is called hypothyroidism or a condition characterized by low production of thyroid hormones. One with suppression of thyroid function will feel discomfort, sleepiness, constipation, and thyroid enlargement. Another harmful effect is diarrhea.