Soya: its protein, history and bioactive components
What it found
Soya is a major crop and a rich source of plant protein.
Well-processed soya protein can stand in for meat and fish protein in adults.
What they found
Studies in people
Replacing meat and fish
Previous studies have shown that well-processed soybean protein products can effectively substitute for meat and fish proteins without compromising dietary nitrogen utilization in adults.
Other findings
World crop rank
Soybean is the fourth most important crop in the world. It is a major source of plant-based protein and lipids for people and for livestock feed.
Ancient cultivation
Archaeological findings suggest soybean cultivation began in central China around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago.
Protein content
Cultivated soybean seeds typically contain approximately 35% or more protein. This makes soybean products a vital nutritional resource.
Bioactive components
Soybeans also contain several bioactive components, including isoflavones, saponins, lecithin, and oligosaccharides.
What the authors conclude
“Previous studies have shown that well-processed soybean protein products can effectively substitute for meat and fish proteins without compromising dietary nitrogen utilization in adults.”
Also in their conclusions
- They note that soybean is a major source of plant-based protein and lipids for human consumption and livestock feed.
- They state that well-processed soybean protein products can effectively substitute for meat and fish proteins without compromising dietary nitrogen utilization in adults.
How it was done
Soya has been a vital nutritional resource because of its rich protein content and its availability during periods of nutrient deficiency in human history.
What it can’t tell you
- We summarised it from the abstract only.
- This paper does not report a new study in people, animals or cells.
- It does not give amounts, doses or long-term health outcomes.
Who paid
- Conflicts
- Declaration of interests The authors declare no competing interests.
- Authors work at
- Yazhouwan National Laboratory, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
The paper
- Title
- Soybean
- Type
- Study
- Evidence
- Studies in people
- Summarised from
- Abstract only
- Cite
- Duan Z, Fang C, Liu S, Nian H, Zhou G, Tian Z (2026). Soybean. Current biology. doi:10.1016/j.cub.2026.03.039PubMed 42086027DOI
Summary written 26 Sep 2026. Check it against the paper before it changes what you eat. How we summarise papers · Report an error