Soybeans

legumes

Soybeans

6/ 10Mixed
Controversy: 6.9

Rated by 11 diets

5 approve3 caution3 avoid

How the diets react

Approves5
Caution3
Disapproves3
Is Soybeans Healthy?

It depends — Soybeans is a mixed bag. Some diets approve it while others urge caution. Context and quantity matter.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
173kcal
Protein
17g
Carbs
10g
Fat
9g
Fiber
6g
Sugar
3g
Sodium
1mg

Diet Ratings

KetoCaution

Cooked soybeans contain ~7g net carbs per 100g cooked serving. Technically low-carb but higher than other keto vegetables. High in plant-based protein and fat. Portion control required.

Debated

Strict keto practitioners avoid soybeans due to phytoestrogen content and concerns about processed soy products; some also question the insulin response despite low carbs.

VeganApproved

Whole plant legume, complete protein source, minimally processed. Excellent nutritional profile with all essential amino acids. Staple in plant-based diets.

PaleoAvoid

Soybeans are legumes, explicitly excluded from paleo diet. Additionally, they contain high levels of phytic acid and anti-nutrients, and most are genetically modified.

MediterraneanApproved

Legume staple rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and micronutrients. Aligns with Mediterranean emphasis on plant-based foods eaten multiple times daily. Whole soybean form preferred over processed derivatives.

CarnivoreAvoid

Soybeans are legumes (plant-derived) and explicitly excluded from carnivore diet. High in plant compounds and antinutrients incompatible with carnivore principles.

Whole30Avoid

Soy is explicitly excluded from Whole30. Soybeans are legumes and contain soy, which is prohibited for the full 30 days.

Low-FODMAPCaution

Monash rates cooked soybeans as low-FODMAP at 75g (½ cup) serving. Larger portions exceed GOS threshold. Soy products vary: tofu and tempeh are lower-FODMAP alternatives.

DASHApproved

Excellent plant-based protein, rich in potassium, magnesium, fiber, and phytonutrients. Low sodium when prepared without added salt. Core DASH legume.

ZoneCaution

Soybeans provide complete protein and low-glycemic carbs, but are high in omega-6 polyunsaturated fat. Zone diet prefers monounsaturated fats. Usable in moderation with careful fat portioning, but not ideal compared to other legumes.

Whole soy foods are emphasized in anti-inflammatory diet. Rich in plant protein, fiber, isoflavones (polyphenols), and omega-3 fatty acids. Fermented forms (tempeh, miso) offer additional benefits.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

Excellent protein density (18g per cooked cup), high fiber (10g per cup), low fat relative to protein, nutrient-dense. Easy to digest when cooked soft. Small portions provide substantial satiety. Ideal GLP-1 companion food.

Controversy Index

Score range: 19/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus6.9Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Soybeans

Keto 5/10
  • 7g net carbs per 100g cooked
  • High plant-based protein
  • Moderate fat content
  • Phytoestrogen concerns in some protocols
Vegan 9/10
  • Complete protein
  • Whole food
  • High in fiber
  • Versatile preparation
Mediterranean 8/10
  • plant-based protein
  • legume category
  • fiber content
  • whole food form
Low-FODMAP 5/10
  • GOS (galacto-oligosaccharides) present
  • Strict portion limit: 75g cooked
  • Processing affects FODMAP content
DASH 9/10
  • High protein (18g per cooked cup)
  • Rich in potassium and magnesium
  • High fiber (10g per cooked cup)
  • Low sodium when unsalted
  • Contains isoflavones with potential cardiovascular benefits
Zone 6/10
  • Complete protein source
  • Low glycemic index
  • High omega-6 content
  • Requires fat portion adjustment
  • complete plant protein
  • isoflavones (polyphenols)
  • omega-3 fatty acids
  • fiber
  • whole food form
  • high protein density
  • high fiber
  • low fat relative to protein
  • nutrient-dense
  • easy to digest when cooked