Soybeans
Summary
What it is
Common uses
Public Perception
Anxiety level
Cultural claims
Source sentiment
History
Timeline
Origin
Science
Key findings
Studies
Safety status
Nuance
Alternatives
Swaps
Avoidance tips
References

Fact-checked by Lucent 3 months ago

Soybeans

ingredientCommodities

Total Sources: 55

Verified Claims: 62

Scientific Sources: 25

Also known as: Soy, Glycine max

Summary

Soybeans are legumes originating from Southeast Asia and are a significant source of plant-based protein and oil worldwide [17], [30]. They are used in various food products and animal feed [28], [30].

What it is

Soybeans are legumes that contain protein, isoflavones, and polyunsaturated fatty acids [6]. They can be processed into various products like soy milk, tofu, and tempeh [25].

Common uses

  • Soy milk [24]

  • Tofu [8]

  • Soy sauce [31]

  • Animal feed [28]

  • Edamame [25]

  • Tempeh [25]

  • Miso [8]

Public Perception

Anxiety level

Moderate. Conflicting information about soy's health effects contributes to consumer uncertainty [23], [25].

Cultural claims

  • Soybeans are a traditional food in Asian cultures [28], [31].

  • There are concerns about the estrogenic effects of soy [25], [27].

Source sentiment

Mixed. Some sources promote soy as part of a healthy diet, while others express concerns about potential side effects [7], [13].

History

Timeline

-1100

Soybeans were domesticated in China [17], [30].

1765

Soybean seeds were planted in Georgia [30].

1870

Soybeans gained popularity as livestock forage [30].

1904

George Washington Carver discovered soybeans as a valuable source of protein and improved soil quality [30].

1920

Soybean acreage expanded in the U.S. Corn Belt [17].

1973

U.S. soybean embargo led Japan to invest in soybean production in Brazil [22].

1996

Genetically modified Roundup Ready soybeans were approved in Argentina and the US [19], [34].

2024

China approved genetically modified soybean varieties after a three-year trial [35].

Origin

Soybeans were first domesticated in China around 1100 BC for food [17], [30].

First appeared: -1100

Science

Key findings

  • Soy consumption is associated with a reduced risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases [6].

  • Soy isoflavones do not exhibit estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women [5].

  • High consumption of soy products is associated with a reduced risk of total cancer [8].

  • Some studies suggest potential harmful effects of soy protein, such as hormonal disturbances and organotoxicity [13].

  • Higher intake of soy and soy isoflavones were inversely associated with risk of cancer incidence [53].

Studies

Food Safety Assessment of Commercial Genetically Modified Soybeans in Rats

Genetically modified soybeans are evaluated for safety through rat feeding studies [1], [2].

Effect of Soy Isoflavones on Measures of Estrogenicity: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Soy isoflavones do not exhibit estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women [5].

Soy Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Soy consumption is negatively associated with the risks of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases [6].

Soy Product Consumption and the Risk of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies

High consumption of total soy products, tofu, and soymilk were associated with reduced total cancer risk [8].

Analysis of Toxic Element Levels and Health Risks in Different Soybean Species

Highlights the importance of monitoring toxic elements in soybeans and calls for stricter environmental management practices to minimize contamination [15].

An insight into the harmful effects of soy protein: A review

Summarized the toxic effects such as hormonal disturbances, carcinogenic and organotoxicity of SP based on the clinical and experimental studies [13].

The health effects of soy: A reference guide for health professionals

Provides concise literature summaries and perspective on the current state of knowledge of soy-related topics, serving as a tool for health professionals [52].

Intake of Soy, Soy Isoflavones and Soy Protein and Risk of Cancer Incidence and Mortality

Higher intake of soy and soy isoflavones were inversely associated with risk of cancer incidence, suggesting that the beneficial role of soy against cancer might be primarily attributed to soy isoflavones [53].

Soy Consumption and the Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Soy consumption was negatively associated with the risks of T2D and CVDs, and a specific quantity of soy products was the most beneficial for the prevention of T2D and CVDs [55].

Soy product consumption and the risk of total cancer: a comprehensive meta-analysis of observational studies

High total soy product consumption, especially soymilk and tofu, is associated with lower cancer risk [8].

Soy consumption and risk of stroke and coronary heart disease: a meta-analysis of observational studies

There was limited evidence to indicate that soy consumption was inversely associated with the risk of stroke and CHD [54].

Soy intake and gastrointestinal cancer risk: a meta-analysis of prospective studies

Intake of soy products was inversely associated with the incidence of overall gastrointestinal cancer and the gastric cancer subgroup, particularly for females [51].

Safety status

Generally recognized as safe (GRAS), but potential allergenic and hormonal effects exist [1], [24], [13].

Nuance

The effects of soy consumption can vary based on the form of soy, individual sensitivities, and overall diet [25], [49].

Alternatives

Almond milk

A non-dairy alternative to soy milk [24].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Oat milk

A non-dairy alternative to soy milk [24].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Hemp milk

A non-dairy alternative to soy milk [24].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Coconut milk

A non-dairy alternative to soy milk [24].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Rice milk

A non-dairy alternative to soy milk [24].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Pea protein milk

A non-dairy alternative to soy milk [24].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Tempeh

A high-protein plant-based food [36].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Seitan

A high-protein plant-based food [36].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Lentils

A high-protein plant-based food [36].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Black beans

A high-protein plant-based food [36].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Chickpeas

A high-protein plant-based food [36].

Where to find: Grocery stores

Avoidance tips

  • Read food labels carefully to identify soy-based ingredients [41], [43].

  • Be cautious with Asian cuisine, which often contains soy [41], [44].

  • Check for hidden sources of soy in processed foods [41], [44].

  • When eating out, inform your server about your soy allergy [43].

References

1.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8871208/