What to know about soy?
Soy is a popular legume of Asian origin. People who follow a vegetarian diet often use soy to replace meat.
Soybeans are healthful and rich in protein, giving them numerous nutritional uses. People can eat them, drink them in milk alternatives, and take them in the form of supplements.However, there is some controversy surrounding the benefits and risks of consuming soy, as some producers now genetically modify the plant.Manufacturers may also extract the oil from soy and use it to make ecologically friendly fuel, as well as candles, crayons, and engine lubricants.
In this article, learn more about soy, its potential health benefits and risks, and the best forms of soy to consume.
Types and uses
Soybeans are a high protein plant food that people can prepare and eat in a variety of ways. They belong to the pea family.
Soybeans come in many colors, including:
Green soybeans: Young green soybeans are also called edamame. People can steam them and eat them out of the pod as an appetizer. Shelled edamame is also available in salads, stir-fries, and soups.
Yellow soybeans: Producers typically use yellow soybeans to make soy milk, tofu, tempeh, and tamari. They also play a role in the production of soy flour for baking.
Black soybeans: Several Asian food cultures use simmered or fermented black soybeans in traditional dishes.
Soybeans also provide soy oil, which people can use for cooking or as an ingredient. After removing the oil from soybeans, people can use the remaining material to make food for farm animals and pets.Some manufacturers make protein powder and isoflavone supplements from soy. Isoflavones are plant compounds that have a similar structure to estrogen.
By Megan