The Benefits and Challenges of Soybean

M.H.Vijaya Siri, M.H.Sandiya (2011) The Benefits and Challenges of Soybean. Final Year Project (Other), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

The scientific name of soybean is Glycin max and it is from the Pea Family (Fabaceae). Soybean contains isoflavones (natural plant hormones) called genistein and daidzein, which are a source of phytoestrogens in the human diet. Early soy consumption is important as it produces lowest risk of developing breast cancer in both adolescence and adulthood women. Like breast cancer, prostate cancer can be prevented or be slowed down by soy isoflavones. On the other hand, animal studies with the addition of soy isoflavones reduces the development of mammary cancer by 25-50%. Soy isoflavones have estrogenic, anti-androgenic properties that slow down the prostate cancer. When mice implanted with prostate cancer cells, isoflavone administration inhibits the tumor growth in a dose – dependent matter. Prostate cancer risk will be reduced 65-70% if soy is consumed daily. Despite many benefits, there are also downsides that is caused by soybean consumption. Soybean is one of the agents that causes goiter when consumed in large amounts (more than 25 g/day). Men who consumed products that contained high soy which is rich in phytoestrogens had adverse affect on sperm quality. Furthermore, isoflavones found in soybean cause reproductive disorders and impaired development of reproductive organs in males. The FDA has recommended 24 mg/ml of isoflavones per day to provide benefits and avoid the risk of consuming soy bean.