Soybeans — and the foods made from them — have a unique make-up. They are rich in a group of compounds called isoflavones, which may have some intriguing effects on health.

Isoflavones are one type of a larger group of chemicals called phytochemicals (plant chemicals). These are a group of diverse chemicals with a wide range of effects on health and they are found only in plant goods (grains, beans, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds).

Isoflavones are sometimes called phytoestrogens, which translates to "plant estrogens." They have some properties that are similar to human estrogen, but their effects are much weaker. These isoflavones may have some beneficial effects on breast cancer, heart disease, bone health and menopause symptoms.