Soybean is a species of legume widely grown for its numerous benefits, including edibles. Many foods can be derived from soybean. Soy milk and soy foods are some of its products. Soy farming keeps on evolving. Its cultivation is a fascinating phenomenon. Soy is a rich source of protein; it contains all the amino acids the body needs. Many people, especially vegetarians, use it as an alternative source of meat.
Historians believe that soy originated in China. Its cultivation dates back to 7000 BC. It is now widely cultivated in the United States of America and some countries around the world. Because of its sustainability and versatility, soybean production has become very popular around the world. It is available in processed foods. It has many benefits and can be used in almost every area of human life.
There are several facts you need to know about soy. This article will show you some exciting things you should know about U.S. Soy.
A Source of Renewable Energy
Soy is another source of renewable energy. It is used to produce an alternative source of biofuel. With sustainability becoming an issue in food production, biodiesel plays a critical role in providing alternative fuels because it does not increase the C02 level in the atmosphere.
Soybean oil is used to produce biodiesel. Unlike petroleum-based diesel, which emits higher carbon that causes pollution, biodiesel is more environmentally-friendly because it has a less environmental impact.
Biodiesel production in the US accounted for about 30% of soybean oil use in 2019 and is still the most commonly used vegetable oil for biodiesel production. Soybean oil contains a higher percentage of energy content as compared to other alternative energy sources.
Renewable diesel is another alternative source of energy derived from soybean oil. It is said to be chemically identical and functionally equivalent to traditional petrodiesel.
It’s interesting to know that soybean oil is used as feedstock for renewable diesel. It is currently a significant feedstock for biodiesel production. Soybean is popularly used for the production of biodiesel in the US.
Enhances Production With Less Natural Resources
As farmers follow sustainable soy farming practices to preserve the environment, there is a conscious attempt to utilize fewer natural resources to enhance production. Plant-based foods are environmentally friendly, but our food also impacts our planet.
Soy farming engages techniques and practices such as crop rotation, precision farming technology, water and nutrient management, etc., to improve efficiency and boost production within the available natural resources.
Livestock farming accounts for about 18% of Green House Gas Emissions, almost equivalent to the transport sector. Soy food production requires less land and water and emits less carbon dioxide than similar livestock farming products.
With shrinking land resources due to expansions and the emergence of new cities and settlements, soy farming offers a profitable alternative and helps to maximize the limited and scarce resources.
Has Many Health Benefits
Some research has linked soybean consumption to several health benefits. Soy protein is an alternative to animal-based protein and serves as an alternative source of meat.
Regular soy protein consumption can reduce the risk of some health problems, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, coronary heart disease, and much more.
Soybean has been shown to reduce cholesterol levels because it contains low saturated fat. Soy protein can increase insulin production in the body, which can help to control blood sugar, reduce body weight, and prevent obesity.
Soy contains isoflavones, a plant estrogen similar to the human hormone. Studies show that these isoflavones help to reduce menopausal symptoms in women.
Other health benefits associated with soy are it prevents cancer, enhances circulation, boosts energy, and improves sleep, among others.
It can Be Found in Virtually Everything
Soy is gradually becoming Everything because it can be found in almost every product; that’s why it’s versatile. They are inexpensive to grow and can survive in various climate conditions.
Soybeans are now used in thousands of products; hence they are available in many industries worldwide. They are used in candles, textiles, cleaning products, plastics, cosmetics, clothing, lubricants, soaps, etc.
Soybeans have a variety of uses. Because of their high protein level, low in fats and carbohydrates, and high in vitamins and nutrients, soybeans are essentially desired in all foods.
Vegetable oil derived from soybean is one of the essential cooking oil apart from palm oil. The soybean bean contains many proteins and is used in many food products and animal feeds.
Products such as cleaning agents, plastics, etc., from soybean proteins, are more sustainable than conventional fossil-fuel-based products.
Soy Lecithin
Most people know little about soy lecithin even though they consume it. Soy lecithin is an additive used as an emulsifier or lubricant added to food to keep the ingredients from separating. They include cheeses, margarine, chocolates, ice cream, dairy products, bread, and infant formulas.
Those who may be allergic to some soy foods can contact their physician before consuming soy products. However, studies show that soy lecithin can be the solution to allergies because it has been genetically modified to tolerate allergies.
Soy lecithin is good for treating high cholesterol. Those with high cholesterol levels can take it. Healthline says that soy lecithin is safe to consume because it contains a minimal amount in foods. It has numerous health benefits, many of which have been mentioned earlier.
Conclusion
Most of our daily diets contain soy. Foods such as baked bread, cookies, cakes, and more contain soy oil. Technology has expanded soybean products to non-food-related products, including pharmaceuticals, auto parts, and many more. Soy products are inexhaustible as they can still produce renewable building materials, carpet production, cleansing agents, lubricants, crayons for children, etc.