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Soya bean, the “Wonder Food”, the rich
source of plant protein
A GNA Feature by Linda Asante Agyei
Accra, Feb. 19, GNA – Soya beans, the richest known source
of plant protein, can now be described as the “Wonder Food”
for its excellent key nutrients and could be the solution to
the severe malnutrition situation
facing some regions in the country.
Plant foods, which include Soya beans, when eaten in the
right amounts
and proper combination, can provide all the essential
nutrients necessary for the maintenance of the highest level
of health and for the prevention of diseases.
Having the highest protein content than any animal food such
as meat and eggs, its protein quality is approximately equal
to that found in chicken or beef. It is described as an
outstanding protein booster because it contains an abundance
of lysine.
Knowing the attributes of the “Wonder Food”, many Ghanaians
got scared of an article on the internet recently that
eating Soya bean products would cause sterility in both men
and women. That prevented many people from using Soya
products.
One will then wonder why a good source of protein that will
give strength, good health and prevent diseases will turn to
cause health disorders, sounding so strange and difficult to
believe one will just have to assume that it is untrue.
The Ministry of Health has developed a new policy that
emphasizes health promotion and prevention with the aim of
improving the health status of Ghanaians through promoting
healthy lifestyles with emphasis on nutrition.
It is also to improve the health and nutritional status in
children and ensure that their physical and mental
development lays the foundation for a
more productive nation in future.
The project, Regenerative Health and Nutrition, is being
done on pilot basis throughout the country under the theme
“Renew Your Strength: Prevent Disease”.
It is supported by the African Hebrew Development Agency (AHDA)
from
Dimona in Israel and admonishes that non-communicable
diseases such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases,
cancer and other related mortality are on the increase due
the unhealthy lifestyles of the people.
Heart diseases, cancer and chronic pulmonary infections have
been cited as the greatest killers and in order to address
the problem of increasing prevalence of non-communicable
diseases, there is the need to adopt healthy lifestyles,
including a dietary pattern.
Ms Zvenah E. Elahsuv, Nutritional Specialist of AHDA, in an
interview says Soya bean has served as the protein backbone
of diet for over 2,000 years for one-fourth of the world’s
population. China can surely be credited with introducing
this wonder along with many forms of soybean to the world.
Because of its adaptability, it can be grown in a variety of
soils within
a wide range of climate conditions. They are relatively
resistant to diseases and pests, and are widely grown
without fertilizer while they enrich the soil.
Due to the presence of Rhizobium bacteria in the plant’s
root nodules, nitrogen is extracted from the air and fixed
in soil where they stimulate the growth of both the Soya
bean and other crops planted later in the same field
or intercropped.
It contains 43gms of protein per 100gms of beans and
polyunsaturated oil. It is the unbeatable bean with low fat,
high fibre, high protein source rich in iron, potassium and
magnesium.
Soya beans, she says, provide both insoluble and soluble
fibres. The phytochemicals - genistein and daidzein are
known to act like oestrogen in the body and they provide
relief to menopausal women from hot flushes. Alongside,
genistein has been found to be effective against cancer.
Ms Elashuv explains that soyabeans are extremely good
sources of calcium and mentions Tofu and Soya Milk as the
two great products obtained from Soya bean.
Tofu is a good source of minerals and has more calcium than
cow’s milk.
It is also a good source of iron and contains vitamins B, E
and phosphorus and very low in sodium.
She explains that people who are afraid of using beans or
bean products of flatulence could go in for Soya beans since
the process of making Tofu removes many of the components
that contribute to the production of flatus.
The main disadvantage of Soya bean is that the iron
absorption is decreased on a Soya bean diet compared to the
diet of egg albumin or in case of milk.
Supplementing vitamin C
can increase the iron absorption. It also rarely causes
conditions like Soya milk goiter and Chinese restaurant
syndrome.
Another secret about Soya bean is that it contains a factor
that inhibits the action of the digestive enzyme trypsin and
this factor can be destroyed by heat. Therefore, Soya bean
should be cooked well for digestion and absorption.
Studies have shown that in type II hyper cholesterolemia
patients already on low lipid, low cholesterol diets, eight
weeks substitution of animal protein by Soya bean protein
reduces plasma cholesterol by 23 to 25 per cent.
Experiment with Soya bean has proved that it can be
transformed into delicious high protein foods with savoury
seasonings. Not only can it be
enjoyed with legumes, but in their fermented state as miso,
shoyu, Soya sauce and tempeh.
Like all other pulses, Soya bean can also be sprouted to
enhance the vitamin C content. Soya sprouts must be cooked
in low heat. They can also be used in salads, soups or
stir-fried. Chapathi can be made nutritious by adding Soya
flour to the wheat flour.
With these benefits derived from the Soya bean, it will not
be wrong if it is called the “Wonder food”. It has specially
been found useful for postmenopausal women and cancer
patients. Soya milk builds bones and is effective in
preventing osteoporosis. Being made from legumes the milk
also contains some fibre and can be helpful in
constipation.”
Soya bean is common on the Ghanaian market and it is
inexpensive. It is very common in the Northern Region where
it is widely grown and yet the nutritional status of the
children out there is poor.
If Soya protein is used directly as food and served together
with cereal grains, the yearly protein requirements of every
person in the world would increase by 50 to 60 per cent.
It is indeed a wonder food and let everybody join in
regenerating our health as being propagated by the Ministry
of Health in promoting the use of unprocessed plant food,
that is, eating lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grain
cereals such as brown rice and use of natural food
supplements.
This should be coupled with regular exercise, fresh air,
potable water, adequate rest and positive mental attitude.
If we are able to adopt these healthy lifestyles, we will
live for long, free from diseases and productivity will also
be high.
GNA
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