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Soybeans offer essential aminoacids humans require by Kathleen Fortier and Vanessa Jones Dietetic Interns Are you bold enough to include soy products in your diet?  If you haven’t already there are several reasons why you should. Soybeans are the only plant food that contains all of the essential amino acids that our bodies require. This is great news; because all of the amino acids are present, soy protein is considered a complete protein. Soy protein has no cholesterol and is lower in fat than regular meat products; which lowers the risk for heart disease.  Are you looking to increase fiber in your diet? Including soy in your diet will increase your soluble fiber intake and help protect you from several digestive diseases.  One of the main reasons you should eat soy is for the benefits of phytochemical compounds such as isoflavins.  Isoflavins are beneficial because they help decrease LDL-cholesterol (bad cholesterol), provide an antioxidant effect and reduce artery-clogging plaque, which lowers the risk of atherosclerosis. Isoflavins also aid in lowering high blood pressure.  To enjoy the full potential of soy protein, research suggests that a daily intake of at least 25 grams of soy protein and 30-50 milligrams of isoflavins a day can improve and safeguard your health.  This may sound like a lot but it’s only one to two servings of soy foods a day.  You can meet this goal by consuming foods such as 8 ounces of soymilk, one-half cup of cooked soybeans, a 3-ounce veggie burger or 4 ounces of Tofu.  Soy and soy-based products are becoming increasingly popular in a variety of supermarkets today.  So if you haven’t tried soy yet, go out on a limb and treat your body well.   Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.