Can pregnant women eat Soya beans?

Soya beans are great sources of protein and are members of the legume family. However, is it safe for pregnant women to eat soya beans? What are the health benefits and risks attached? If you’ve been wondering what the answers to these questions are, read on to know more!

Health benefits of soya beans for pregnant women

• Soya beans are great sources of Omega-3 fatty acids. These are important for the growth and development of the baby. Including soya beans in your diet is a great way to include omega-3 fatty acids if you are a vegetarian.
• Soya beans are also rich in protein content. It is thus a great idea to include them in your diet.
• Experts recommend including legumes such as soya beans in your diet to keep your cholesterol levels under control. However, it is important to note that this can hinder with the production of hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and vitamin D.
• Soya beans are also rich sources of zinc and folate which can help reduce the risk of birth defects.

Risks of consuming soya beans during pregnancy

It is important to eat soya beans only in moderate amounts during pregnancy. This is because soya beans are rich sources of phytic acid which can interfere with the absorption of calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium.

What’s more, soya beans also carry residues of dangerous pesticides. The consumption of excessive amounts of soy products has been linked to a greater risk of urological diseases in babies.

Soya beans also have phytoestrogens which can change the estrogen levels in the mother’s body. The baby, it might be noted, is very sensitive to changes in estrogen levels.

Therefore, the best way is to always consult your doctor who will recommend if you should be consuming soya beans and in what quantities.