LET’S EXPLORE SOYBEAN NUTRITION

Soybeans are one of the most nutritious food products. The nutrition profile of soybeans is presented in Table 1. Nutrients can be divided into two types, namely macronutrients and micronutrients.

Macronutrients are nutrients needed by the body in large quantities and are a source of energy for the body. Examples of macronutrients are carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

Micronutrients are nutrients needed by the body in small amounts. Examples of micronutrients are various types of vitamins and minerals.
Minerals can be further divided into macrominerals and microminerals (trace minerals) according to the amount of mineral requirements for the body. Macrominerals include calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chlorine and sulfur. Microminerals include iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, copper, manganese, fluorine, chromium and molybdenum.

Vitamins are divided into water soluble vitamins and fat soluble vitamins. Water soluble vitamins are vitamin B1, B2, niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid, biotin, pyridoxine (vitamin B6), folic acid, vitamin B12 and vitamin C. Fat-soluble vitamins are vitamins A, D, E and K.

Table 1. Nutritional composition of soybean per 100 gram

Nutrients	Unit	Dried soybean	Fresh soybean	Boiled soybean	Soybean sprout, fresh
Water	g	12.7	20	56.8	81
Energy	kkal	381	286	189	76
Protein	g	40.4	30.2	20.2	9
Fat	g	16.7	15.6	8.2	2.6
Carbohydrate	g	24.9	30.1	12.7	6.4
Fiber	g	3.2	2.9	1.6	0.7
Calcium	mg	222	196	91	50
Phosphor	mg	682	506	270	65
Iron	mg	10	6.9	3.9	1
Sodium	mg	210	28	181	5
Potassium	mg	713.4	870.9	615	212.4
Copper	mg	1.58	1.24	1.3	0.26
Zinc	mg	3.9	3.6	3.7	0.7
Vitamin A	mcg	21	4	1	4.6
Thiamine	mg	0.52	0.93	0.2	0.23
Riboflavin	mg	0.12	0.26	0.04	0.19
Niacin	mg	1.2	1.8	0.5	1.2
Vitamin C	mg	–	–	0	15