The soya bean has been grown and used in China for more than 2000 years.
Soybean [U.S] or soya beans[U.K] belongs to legumes and is introduced to West in the past century and has already become one of the best protein sources in the world.
Now U.S produces more than 50% of the world's production of soya beans.
There are different varieties of soybean with different colours but have similar nutritive values.

Nutrients
Proteins make up to 40% of the dry weight of soybean seeds and oil contributes 20% of the weight. Carbohydrates make up 35% of the weight and rest consists of fibres and other elements.

Soybean oil
Soybean oil is comparable to other vegetable oils in its content of mono saturated fats [60%] and polyunsaturated fats [25%].
Soybean oil's polysaturated fatty acid profile include two very important essential fatty acids, namely linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are not produced by the human body.
These fatty acids are required for the our health and they help in the absorption of vital nutrients by the body.
Biological processes like muscle contractions, growth of cells and blood pressure are achieved by the activity of an array of hormones. These essential fatty acids, functioning as precursors bring about the hormonal activity.

Soybean proteins
The protein profile of the soybeans is complete, containing almost all the amino acids required by the human body.
The quality of protein is as good as that of milk and meat.
Other good sources of proteins like meat have the saturated fats whereas soybeans are low in saturated fat and are almost cholesterol free.
Soybean is an important primary ingredient in dairy product substitutes and processed foods.
Soy flakes, a by-product of oil extraction is used in producing a number of soy products like soy isolates, soy flour and soy concentrates.
Soy isolate is used to manufacture soy cheese, soymilk, coffee whiteners and infant's formulae as it contains 98% proteins.

Antioxidants
Antioxidants present in soybeans by removing the free radicals help in increasing the resistance to diseases, slowing the aging process and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
The antioxidant activity of soybeans protect us from cancers of prostate gland, breast and colon. Bone health problems like osteoporosis are alleviated by regular consumption of soy beans.

Heart diseases
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1999 recognized officially the importance of soy protein in lowering cholesterol and recommended the intake of at least 25gms. of soy protein daily for reducing the risk of heart ailments.
Atherosclerotic plaques development can be controlled by reducing the the deposits on the wall of blood vessels
Soybeans increase the blood levels of nitric oxide and thereby help in the blood vessel dilation which reduces the risk of plaque formation.

Menopausal symptoms
Soy beans have been found to be effective in the treatment of menopausal symptoms.
Isoflavones in soybean act like weak estrogens and reduce the symptoms of menopause like hot flashes.
Soybean sprouts are good source of vitamins A, B, and C.