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What Are the Benefits of Soy Vitamins?

Soy was first used in the Chou dynasty in China during 1134-246 BC with the discovery of soy fermentation to create foods such as tempeh and tamari. Soy beans are from the legume family and are high in protein and many vitamins and minerals. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 25 grams of soy protein daily to help reduce LDL ("bad") cholesterol levels. Taking soy vitamins and supplements, including soy oil and soy flakes, may provide similar health benefits to the consumption of soy products.

  1. Reduced Cancer Risk

    • According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, soy may decrease the likelihood of prostate cancer in men, breast cancer in women and other cancers as well. This is due to the phytoestrogen content of soy, which may help regulate hormones in the body, as well as the isoflavones. Soybean.org claims that consuming soy protein as a teenager may reduce the likelihood of breast cancer as an adult by nearly 50 percent.

    Reduced LDL Cholesterol

    • Soy isoflavones, specifically genistein and daidzein, may help lower LDL, or "bad" cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the risk of heart disease. Soy oil is also high in polyunsaturated fatty acids, which can also help regulate blood pressure. According to Soybean.org, soy consumption can reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, which can also reduce the overall risk of heart attack.

    Reduced Diabetes Risk

    • Soy supplements may help stabilize blood sugar levels, reducing the risk of diabetes and/or diabetes symptoms. Soy isolates may be particularly helpful in dairy-like foods, including cheese, milk, and frozen desserts. In addition, as individuals at risk for diabetes may also be at risk for elevated blood pressure, consumption of soy vitamins may reduce the risk of both and improve overall health.

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