Frequently Asked Questions

The awareness of nutritional and health benefits of Soyabean is increasing. However, raw (unprocessed) soyabean mixed with cereals is not recommended by expert researchers owing to anti-nutritional factors. We at Soja Natura follow a simple method suggested globally by experts which consists of 30 minutes boiling of soya splits in boiling water, drying and using in specific proportions according to specific soya products.

Soyabeans contain some anti-nutritional factors which are biologically active and need to be eliminated prior to human consumption. Fortunately, most are thermolabile and destroyed by heat treatment during processing or cooking. Anti-nutritional components are categorized as:

• Type A: Interfere with digestion of proteins or absorption of amino-acids (e.g. protease inhibitors, lectins, saponins)
• Type B: Interfere with absorption of mineral elements (e.g. phytic acid, glucosinolates)
• Type C: Inactivate or destroy vitamins (e.g. antivitamins, flatulence factors)

Most anti-nutritional factors are easily eliminated during processing:

• Protease inhibitors: Eliminated through moist heat (autoclaving 20 min at 115°C). Germination and fermentation also improve nutritional value.
• Lectins: Destroyed by traditional cooking methods. Germination decreases lectin activity by 90%.
• Saponins: Minimized through cooling process.
• Flatulence factors: Reduced through germination and fermentation.

One cannot eat soyabeans raw just like any other legume. Even if one does manage to, the whole protein is not digestible. Since one of the main reasons to include soybeans is its protein, having it undigested defeats the purpose. That is why so much emphasis is placed on cooking or processing soyabeans properly before consumption.

Some people not used to high protein and high fiber foods may experience digestion problems — but this is true for any food with a lot of roughage and protein. This is not true for everyone. If such a problem exists, instead of whole soyabeans one can use processed soya products like granules, chunks, tofu and soy milk, which are easily digestible. High protein food amounts can also be slowly increased to allow the body to adjust.

A person can enhance their lifespan through a balanced diet based on a proper mix of plant and animal produce. The US FDA approved health claim for Soya protein says that 25 grams of Soya protein in daily diet may reduce the risk of many diseases, especially heart disease, since soya foods are low in saturated fat and cholesterol. Soya food products should be included in daily diet so that 25g of protein and 30–50mg of isoflavones can be derived from them.

There is no evidence that soya foods have an adverse effect on thyroid function in healthy humans who consume adequate amounts of iodine. Goiters are due to a deficiency of dietary iodine, not consumption of moderate amounts of soya foods as part of a healthy diet.

There is no research or scientific evidence that says anything of the sort. People in China and South East Asia have been consuming soya for hundreds of years. Epidemiological studies do not show that soya consumption leads to infertility in men.

There is no evidence from research that consumption of soya products brings on early puberty in children. The age of puberty has come down in children in general, compared to a few decades ago — due to various environmental and lifestyle factors. Consumption of soya is in no way responsible for it.

Soyabean has unique bioactive ingredients called Phytochemicals which exert beneficial influence on body function and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Key phytochemicals include:

• Isoflavones: Protective effects against breast cancer, heart disease. Range 0.1–0.3mg/gram of seed.
• Tocopherols (Vitamin E): All 4 isomers present. 400 IU/day decreases risk of arteriosclerosis, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Lecithin: Improves liver function, cardiovascular health, foetal brain development, and memory function.

Women on HRT can generally consume soya foods in moderate amounts. Soya isoflavones are phytoestrogens that may complement HRT benefits. However, it is always advisable to consult your physician or nutritionist before making significant dietary changes while on prescription hormone therapy.