Soybeans are also a good source of
phytosterols, chemical relatives of cholesterol
that also interfere with our absorption of
cholesterol and thus lower blood cholesterol
levels.
The Problem of Legumes
and Flatulence
Several chemical constituents of beans are
responsible for an uncomfortable, sometimes
embarrassing consequence of eating legumes:
the generation of gas in the digestive system.
The Cause: Indigestible Carbohydrates
Everyone produces a mixture of gases from
their intestine, about a quart a day, thanks to
the growth and metabolism of our resident
bacteria. Many legumes, especially soy, navy,
and lima beans, cause a sudden increase in
bacterial activity and gas production a few
hours after they’re consumed. This is because