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| - Last Updated on July 12, 2024 by Neelam Singh
Quick Take
A social media post warns people not to eat soy or its products because humans cannot digest it. We fact checked and found the claim to be mostly false.
The Claim
Ramane.aarya27‘s post on Threads and Instagram suggests that people should avoid consuming soybeans because our bodies struggle to digest them.
Fact Check
How does the human body digest soy products?
The human body digests soy products by breaking down their proteins, fats, and carbohydrates through enzymatic action in the digestive tract. Proteins in soy, such as soybean glycinin and beta-conglycinin, are broken down into amino acids by digestive enzymes like pepsin in the stomach and proteases in the small intestine. Soy fats are emulsified by bile acids and digested by pancreatic lipase into fatty acids and glycerol. Carbohydrates in soy, primarily as starches and fibres, are broken down into simpler sugars by amylase enzymes. Overall, the digestive process releases nutrients from soy products for absorption and utilisation by the body.
Are there any factors affecting soy product digestion?
Yes, several factors affect the digestion of soy products:
1. Processing Methods: Different processing methods (e.g., boiling, fermenting, roasting) can alter the structure and composition of soy proteins and carbohydrates, affecting how easily they are digested.
2. Anti-Nutrients: Soybeans contain compounds like phytates and lectins, which can interfere with nutrient absorption and digestion in some individuals.
3. Individual Sensitivities: Some people may have allergies or intolerances to soy proteins, which can lead to digestive discomfort.
4. Fibre Content: Soy products can be high in dietary fibre, which can affect digestion and bowel movements, particularly if consumed in large quantities.
5. Digestive Enzyme Production: Differences in individual enzyme production and activity levels can influence how well soy proteins and carbohydrates are into pieces and absorbed in the digestive tract.
Can the human body digest soy products?
Yes, The human body can digest soybeans. The digestion is partial (as with all plant proteins) and it’s hard to digest but some individuals may experience difficulty due to specific components like complex carbohydrates (oligosaccharides) and proteins (glycinin and beta-conglycinin) that can be harder to break down. These components can cause gas or bloating in some people. Cooking soybeans thoroughly can help break down these compounds and improve digestibility. Additionally, fermenting soybeans into products like tofu or tempeh can enhance digestibility by reducing the content of certain indigestible sugars. Overall, while soybeans are generally digestible, individual tolerance may vary depending on preparation and personal digestive health.
Previously we have checked whether humans can digest meat.
Manasi Bnaduni, Sports Nutritionist opines, “The human body can digest almost everything except for substances like plastic, rubber, and cellulose. We have specialised digestive juices such as hydrochloric acid, pepsin, trypsin, and saliva that aid in breaking down proteins from both vegetarian and non-vegetarian sources.”
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