SOYBEAN [GLYCINE MAX (L.) MERR.]: HEALTH BENEFITS ON THE TREATMENT OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES, CANCER, AND DIABETES Book in Scopus uri icon

abstract

  • © 2020 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc.Soy is a legume native from Asia, mainly from the Northeast and Central China. However, it is now widely distributed around the World, becoming one of the main crops produced by man. It is estimated that by 2018 alone, more than 350 million tons of soybeans were harvested. Soya is a very versatile plant in terms of utilization. In addition to its role in the food industry (e.g., soymilk, tofu, soy sauce, flours), soy can be used in the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, paints, plastics, among others. On the other hand, this legume contains a great nutritional value, which makes it an excellent food for the human diet. It has large amounts of protein and lipids, and also provides fiber, calcium, iron, zinc and several vitamins. For these reasons, the possible benefits of soy consumption for human health have been studied. Although the results obtained to date have not been conclusive, thanks to its high content of isoflavones (phytochemicals with estrogenic activity), soy is attributed with anti-inflammatory, antioxidants and antifungals properties. Moreover, soybeans could provide significant benefits to patients with cardiovascular diseases, cancer or diabetes.

publication date

  • January 1, 2020