Soybeans represent an excellent source of high-quality protein with a low content in saturated fat. They can be made into various foods, such as tofu, miso, breakfast cereals, energy bars, and soy cakes. Much research has been carried out on the positive health effects of soybeans, and increasing evidence shows that consumption of soybeans may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, have a beneficial role in chronic renal disease, lower plasma cholesterol, and decrease the risk of coronary heart disease.

Phytochemicals in Soybeans: Bioactivity and Health Benefits describes in detail the chemical characteristics of health-promoting components of soybeans and soybean products, their impacts on human health, and emerging technologies about soybean processing and new products. With 22 chapters containing the most recent information associated with soybean products, topics of the chapters include soybeans' role in human nutrition and health, their composition and physicochemical properties, action mechanism of their physiologic function, processing engineering technology, food safety, and quality control.