Soybean and Health Benefits. In addition to rich nutrients, soybean has other beneficial compounds such as phytosterols, lecithins, saponins, and phenolic acids. Soy protein has a number of health benefits such as cancer prevention, cholesterol reduction, combating osteoporosis and regulating menopause.
Soy foods are rich in anticarcinogens, particularly isoflavones.
Human epidemiological studies suggest that as little as one serving of soy foods each day may be protective against many types of cancer, including cancers of the lung, colon, rectum, stomach, prostate and breast. In support of the various research findings, the United States Food and Drug Administration issued a health claim for soy protein in October of 1999. One year later, the American Heart Association endorsed the same health claim. Another important benefit of soy protein is in combating osteoporosis and relieving menopause symptoms. One factor in bone health is limiting the amount of calcium lost from the body.