Soybean Seed Coats: A Source of Ingredients for Potential Human Health Benefits-A Review of the Literature

Soybean seed coats are an underutilized byproduct from the commercial crushing of soybeans to make soymeal and soy oil. These seed coats constitute 7 to 10% of the weight of a bushel of soybeans so they provide a substantial opportunity to add value to each bushel. Overall, the United States produces approximately 6 million metric tons of seed coats each year. Biologically active compounds contained in soybean seed coats have been shown to prevent and or reduce macular degeneration, obesity, cancer, and many other debilitating diseases. For example the seed coats of YJ-100 black soybeans contain more than 20 mg/g of anthocyanins, the highest concentration of anthocyanins of all plants materials including other row crops. The purpose of this paper is to examine the chemical content of soybean seed coats, highlight opportunities to add value and discuss the potential health benefits of these chemicals.