10 Impressive Health Benefits of Soy Nuts

Medically Reviewed on 9/14/2022
Health Benefits of Soy Nuts
Soy nuts have a high nutritional content, making them useful for multiple ailments.

Soy nuts are baked soybeans and not genuine nuts. They resemble roasted peanuts in appearance, and they are likewise legumes. Although soy nuts have a similar flavor and texture to those of peanuts, they include a lot of protein and very little fat.

Soy nuts are high in protein, iron, and calcium. They are abundant in dietary fiber, which aids in digestion.

  • Soy nuts are popular in vegan and plant-based diets and are affordable to buy.
  • In addition to snacking on soy nuts, you may use them to replace nuts in baked goods.
  • Soy nuts make a crunchy salad topping.
  • They can also be mashed into a peanut butter-like spread.

What are the uses of soy nuts?

Soy nuts, a byproduct of soybeans, are a nutritious and palatable source of protein, iron, and dietary fiber.

Soy nuts are the ideal snack option for decreasing harmful cholesterol levels because they are high in:

Because they do not contain trans fat, you can eat a handful of soy nuts at any time, whether at work or at home.

Apart from being a tasty snack, soy nuts have a high nutritional content, making them useful for ailments such as menopausal symptoms and lowering cholesterol levels.

10 health benefits of soy nuts

Here are 10 health benefits of soy nuts:

  1. Source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants:
    • One ounce of soy nuts delivers all the vitamins and minerals needed for one day. 
    • Two ounces of soy nuts provide 26 percent of the daily recommended amount of vitamin K, which benefits heart health and blood function. 
    • Soy nuts are a good source of folic acid, which is important for the development of the fetus, making them an excellent snack for pregnant women.
    • Soy nuts are high in antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which encourage healthy cells and allow them to combat the oxidation process.
  2. Plant-based protein:
    • Soy nuts are protein powerhouses, with one ounce containing nearly 11 grams of protein. This enables soy nuts to be a good substitute for dairy products and substantial amounts of meat. 
    • Soy nuts are a suitable alternative for vegans who need a lot of protein in their diet and those who have heart disease or excessive cholesterol levels. 
    • Soy nuts are popular among weight lifters because they help them grow muscle. Soy nuts are simple alternatives because they can be readily carried without having to be cooked or refrigerated.
  3. Aid in weight loss:
    • Because soy nuts are high in protein, they may aid with weight loss. Increased protein consumption may boost metabolism and satiety, resulting in weight reduction. 
    • There may be extra benefits to fat metabolism and weight loss from soy nuts due to their fiber and isoflavones. However, further research is needed to confirm the same.
    • According to studies, people who took soy nuts as part of the protein in their diet lost more body fat than those who followed low-calorie diets high in animal protein.
  4. Good snacks for people with diabetes:
    • Regular consumption of soy nuts has been linked to a lower risk of diabetes. Because of their high fiber and protein content, as well as their low glycemic index, nuts, and seeds are good for preventing diabetes. 
    • Soy nuts make you feel fuller for longer without drastically influencing your blood sugar levels.
    • Two ounces of soy nuts supply four grams of fiber to your body, yet the quantity of fiber required by a human body varies depending on gender and age. 
    • A fiber-rich diet promotes colon health, weight control, and constipation prevention. It is an excellent choice for dieters because it controls blood sugar levels and makes us feel fuller. 
    • The protein in soy nuts avoids excessive drops or rises in blood sugar levels, allowing a person to go longer between meals.
  5. Promote heart health:
    • Soy nuts may reduce risk factors for heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels. Soy nuts include fiber, protein, and alpha-linolenic acid, which may help keep your heart healthy.
    • Furthermore, isoflavones included in soy nuts act as antioxidants in your body and mimic estrogen. Isoflavones included in soy nuts help reduce atherosclerosis, a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.
    • The research concluded that taking 25 grams of protein from soy nuts daily lowered systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with high blood pressure.
    • Soy nuts are high in potassium and magnesium. These two nutrients are in charge of blood pressure regulation, especially lowering blood pressure.
  6. Lower cholesterol levels:
    • Regular use of soy foods, such as soy nuts, aids in the reduction of low-density lipoprotein (LDL; bad) cholesterol levels. It also has a favorable effect on blood lipids such as triglycerides
    • Daidzein and genistein are two components in soy nuts that may lower cholesterol levels. 
    • Atherosclerosis is often caused by a significant accumulation of LDL cholesterol on the artery walls. This buildup eventually results in clots, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. Isoflavone consumption reduces this risk by reducing LDL cholesterol levels.
  7. Promote bone health:
    • Isoflavones from soy nuts may help strengthen the bones and prevent osteoporosis.
    • Genistein and other isoflavones found in soy nuts have been demonstrated in studies to increase bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. This is most likely because they aid in the regulation of bone growth markers in your body.
    • According to a study, taking 90 mg of soy isoflavones daily for at least six months improved bone mineral density in menopausal women. According to studies, soy nuts enhance isoflavone levels more than supplementation.
  8. May reduce menopausal signs:
    • Hot flashes, mood swings, and other symptoms are caused by low estrogen levels during menopause. Soy nuts contain isoflavones, which mimic estrogen and may aid in reducing these symptoms.
    • According to research, 86 grams of soy nuts per day may help reduce hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms.
  9. May lower cancer risk:
    • A recent study has reported the critical role of soy food consumption in cancer prevention. Soy nuts include a distinct group of antioxidants known as isoflavones, which have potent anticancer capabilities.
    • Genistein and daidzein are two isoflavones found in soy nuts that have received considerable attention due to their potential advantages.
    • Genistein is demonstrated to suppress prostate and breast malignancies. It inhibits cell growth by decreasing angiogenesis and metastasis, two of the leading causes of cancer mortality.
    • Daidzein helps alleviate menopausal symptoms and inhibit cancer spread through gene regulation.
    • According to studies, soy nut consumption has been linked to a 30 percent reduced risk of breast cancer and prostate cancer. Soy's possible anticancer capabilities are assumed to be handled by isoflavones, which act as antioxidants, and lunaisin, which stimulates cancer cell death in test-tube and animal studies.
    • Anthocyanins are another type of antioxidant found primarily in soy nuts and are excellent for gastrointestinal tract protection. They have been demonstrated to inhibit the formation of intestinal cancer.
  10. Very adaptable:
    • Soy nuts and nut butter are widely accessible both online and at many supermarket shops. They're easy to add to meals and snacks including spaghetti, salads, trail mix, yogurt, and stir-fry. 
    • There are numerous varieties, including salted, unsalted, and spicy. Because soy nuts are not legally classified as nuts, they are a viable option for people who are allergic to peanuts or tree nuts.
    • Spread soy-nut butter over toast, add it to smoothies, mix it into oatmeal, or use it as a fruit or vegetable dip. 
    • You may blend it with vinegar or citrus juice to make sauces and dressings. 
    • Choose varieties that have been dry-roasted or baked and do not include excessive amounts of vegetable oil, salt, sugar, or preservatives for the healthiest selections.

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Medically Reviewed on 9/14/2022
References
Image Source: Getty images

Health Benefits of Soy Nuts: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-of-soy-nuts

The Effect of Soy Nuts on Glycemic Control, Lipid Profile and Insulin-Resistance in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: https://www.scirp.org/journal/paperinformation.aspx?paperid=53416

Effect of soy nuts on blood pressure and lipid levels in hypertensive, prehypertensive, and normotensive postmenopausal women: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17533209/

Soy nuts: https://www.nutritionvalue.org/Soy_nuts_41410010_nutritional_value.html