Effects of Dietary Soy and Its Constituents on Human Health: A Review

Abstract

Soy Protein occurs naturally in Soybean and is known to have many benefits to health. It is an alternate source of protein for those people who don’t eat meat but along with benefits. This review has been undertaken to make people familiar with the importance of soy beans in clinical set up and in the food industries. Soybeans are legumes which include peanuts, chickpeas, other beans and pulses. Soybeans are highly versatile beans can be processed into oil, flour and meal. Approved health claims for soy protein in different countries is about 25g/day which is known to reduce total cholesterol and LDL. Soy has different effective substance in it like Trypsin inhibitors, saponins, fibers, isoflavones and phytic acid. It has observed that soy shows some toxic effects. There are many studies raising concerns about the potential negative effects of it, due to the presence of allergens, also they contain anti nutrient agents who inhibit micronutrient absorption, it may also cause hypothyroidism, being deficient in a few essential amino acids, it is considered as an incomplete protein source. It may also cause hormonal consequences in infants in their later life.