Nutritional value of soybeans
Dr Ashish Kumar ( Sir Gangaram Hospital, Delhi, India) shared with Onlymyhealth that soybeans are a source of high-quality protein, rich in isoflavones - compounds with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In addition, soybeans are rich in fiber and healthy fats (especially polyunsaturated fatty acids - PUFA), which help regulate blood sugar and blood lipids - important factors in protecting the liver.
According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), a cup of ripe soybeans (186g) provides about 830 calories, 67.9g of protein, 37g of fat and 56.2g of carbohydrates.
Benefits of soybeans for the liver
Reduces fat accumulation in the liver
Fatty liver is a common disease due to the accumulation of too much fat in liver cells, which negatively affects liver function. Soy protein helps reduce fat accumulation in the liver and improves blood fat index, supporting the liver to function more effectively.
Reduce liver enzymes and help control blood sugar
Soybeans can help reduce liver enzymes (AST, ALT), an important sign of healthy liver. At the same time, soybeans also help control blood sugar levels and reduce oxidative stress, contributing to protecting the liver from damage.
Improve liver health in people with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
Dr Ashish Kumar says soybeans help improve liver health, reduce weight and reduce oxidative stress in NAFLD patients, increasing the effectiveness of maintaining liver function.
How to use soybeans properly
Consume soybeans in moderation, avoid eating too much, especially processed soy products or supplements, because it can affect hormones and thyroid in some people. Priority should be given to lightly processed soy products such as:
Boiled soybeans
Tofu
unsweetened soy milk
Comparing soybeans with animal protein
Compared to red meat, soybeans are a healthier choice thanks to their low saturated fat content and ability to help reduce bad cholesterol. However, you can still combine soybeans with other lean protein sources such as eggs, fish or chicken to diversify and balance nutrition.
Note
Soybeans are nutritious, easy to prepare and bring many benefits to liver health, especially for people with fatty liver or diabetes. Adding soybeans to your daily diet appropriately helps support liver function and improve overall health. The important thing is to choose healthy soy products and use them in moderation for best results.
