Is soya a complete protein containing all the essential amino acids needed by the human body?

Ms Breda Gavin, senior nutrition consultant at Food and Nutrition Specialists, said: 'Soya is the only plant food considered to be a complete protein in that it contains all the essential amino acids needed by the human body.'

Soya beans are also low in fat and a good source of fibre, iron, calcium, zinc, magnesium and B vitamins.

While fibre is necessary for healthy bowel function, B vitamins are important for releasing and metabolising energy from the food we eat.

Minerals like zinc and magnesium are critical aids in coping with enzymatic reactions.

Source: Article “Spilling the beans on soya” of Mind Your Body of the Straits Times dated 28 August 2008