Soy protein is a complete protein, nutritionally comparable to animal protein without the saturated fat and cholesterol. Common sources of soy include soy flour, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, miso, soybeans and soy burgers. The popularity of soy is linked to its health benefits. Soy may provide protection against heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels. It has been linked to the prevention of breast cancer, prostate cancer, osteoporosis as well as reducing the symptoms of menopause.
Phytochemicals offer no known nutritional value.
Their real value is in their protection against cancer and heart disease. Soy has also shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of menopause. Compared to women in the U.S., Japanese women have reported far fewer menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. It has been hypothesized that the Japanese women eat far more soy foods, which contain phytoestrogens, a weaker form of estrogen. This weaker form of estrogen from soy may compensate for the lack of estrogen produced during menopause.