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 93Wonder 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 93Wonder 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 93Renew 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 93Wonder 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. 19 Feb. 07