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The soybean is the only bean to contain a complete protein. This means that it provides all of the essential amino acids that a person needs. This bean, in its many forms that it now comes in, can provide a great alternative to meat and dairy products, and can replace the protein that a person with celiac disease is missing in not eating gluten containing foods, such as wheat.

Through much study done concerning this protein it has been discovered that it may potentially have many health benefits. Some of these benefits are more heavily researched than others, but guaranteed there will be more to come.

At least one of the most commonly known benefits is related to the high content of isoflavones that soy contains. These isoflavones are organic compounds that are related to flavonoids. Isoflavones decrease the amount of plaque built up on artery walls, increase artery elasticity, and can improve the disposal of LDL cholesterol through changing the way that the liver metabolizes this substance. It is because of these three components that consuming soy protein makes for a healthier heart.

Animal studies have shown that this protein may also be able to lower blood pressure. It contains a peptide that reacts with artery constricting enzymes, thus increasing the space that the blood has to flow. This relieves some of the pressure on the heart and in the vascular system. However, this study has not been shown conclusive in humans yet, only in hypertensive rats.

There have been studies done in various countries comparing those that eat high levels of vegetable protein, including soy, to those that eat low levels of this protein. These studies conclude that the populations that ingested higher levels of the vegetable protein had decreased incidences of hip fractures. In another study, the women who consumed soy milk instead of dairy milk had a higher bone density. The scientists state that this is because vegetable protein decreases the normal amounts of excreted calcium, so it is stored in the bones instead.

Soy protein also may have preventative measures towards breast, prostate and colon cancer. Animal studies have shown that there are less malignant tumors in those animals that have been fed with soy instead of their normal diet. These are just preliminary studies, however, and are still in debate.

Diabetes patients can often find help in eating soy because it can change the body's control over glucose levels. It has also been demonstrated that it helps prevent

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