show the embryo The hilum is a small pore through which water can pass directly to the embryo; it and the seed coat control the rate at which dry beans and peas absorb water and soften during cooking It turns out that soybeans contain storage forms of several phenolic compounds called isoflavones, which are liberated by the action of our intestinal bacteria as active compounds (genistein, daidzein, and glycitein) that resemble the human hormone estrogen The active forms are therefore referred to as “phytoestrogens” (from the Greek phyton, “leaf”) Mung beans and other legumes also contain isoflavones, but in much smaller quantities (Of commonly eaten soy foods, the boiled whole beans contain by far the greatest concentration of isoflavones, about double the amount found in tofu.) Phytoestrogens do appear to have hormone-like and other effects on the human body There’s evidence that they may slow bone loss and the development of prostate cancer and heart disease However, some studies suggest that phytoestrogens can worsen preexisting breast cancer, and are protective against some cancers only when consumed during adolescence Our understanding of phytoestrogens is still very incomplete It’s too early to say whether soybeans are more beneficial to human health than any other seed, or whether it’s a good idea to eat them often Saponins are soap-like defensive compounds that have a water-soluble end and a fat-soluble end, so they can act as emulsifiers and foam stabilizers They’re one of the reasons that a pot of soybeans boils over so readily! Soybeans are a rich source of saponins, which may make up 5% of their total weight, about half of which is in the hulls Some plant saponins are so strong that they damage our cell membranes Soy saponins are gentler, and bind to cholesterol so that the body can’t absorb it efficiently ... over so readily! Soybeans are a rich source of saponins, which may make up 5% of their total weight, about half of which is in the hulls Some plant saponins are so strong that they damage our cell membranes Soy saponins are gentler, and bind to cholesterol... idea to eat them often Saponins are soap-like defensive compounds that have a water-soluble end and a fat-soluble end, so they can act as emulsifiers and foam stabilizers They’re one of the reasons that a pot of soybeans boils... understanding of phytoestrogens is still very incomplete It’s too early to say whether soybeans are more beneficial to human health than any other seed, or whether it’s a good idea to eat them often