A Surprising Benefit Of Eating Soy

Soy foods, which are made from soybeans, can be a great source of high-quality protein, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Soy protein is second only to what we receive from eating animal-based foods, many of which have high amounts of saturated fat. Consuming soy-based foods can also increase your fiber intake, which may benefit the health of your gastrointestinal system. 

You can increase the amount of soy in your diet by consuming soybeans, soy milk, tofu, boiled soybeans, dry roasted soybeans, edamame, soy cheeses, soy burgers, and even fermented soy foods like soy sauce, miso, natto, and tempeh (via the Harvard School of Public Health). This type of food is an optimal source of polyunsaturated fat, which can benefit your heart by lowering your cholesterol. 

However, soy isn't just an excellent plant-based protein; it has another surprising health benefit. Here's the advantage of eating soy that you may not know about.

Soy can be great for your skin, according to Healthline. It contains isoflavones that can block or mimic estrogen, which may benefit your skin. For example, a 2007 study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology looked at women in their 30s and 40s who ate soy isoflavones daily for 12 weeks. Researchers found that eating soy improved their skin's elasticity and reduced fine lines and wrinkles. 

A 2009 study published in the journal Clinics examined 30 postmenopausal women who were given 100 milligrams of concentrated soy extract, rich in isoflavones, every day for 6 months. It increased the women's collagen, which helped keep their skin firm, smooth, and strong.

Aveeno recommends adding soy to your diet if you want better skin texture, more radiance, less hyperpigmentation, and reduced redness. Just don't forget to wear sunscreen year-round to ensure you're also protecting your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.