Description

Soybean is an erect leguminous plant, that rises up to a height of 1 m and contains seeds that are spherical to oval in shape and yellow in color. Soybean is native to Asia but was domesticated in North China around 3000 years ago, and is now produced in countries like the USA, Brazil, Argentina, China, and India. Soybeans are one of the well known plant-based sources of complete protein that are very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. This makes them an ideal substitute for animal-based protein sources. It is primarily an oilseed containing about 20% oil. It is used as a staple food in tropical Africa and Asia. Soybeans can be eaten in a variety of ways like soybean oil, soybean meal (the by-product of oil extraction), whole soybeans, soybean flour (powdered and screened soybean meal with a very low fibre content), soybean protein concentrates and isolates (that contain more or less pure protein), soybean solubles and molasses (resulting from the washing of soybean flour and soybean flakes), soybean mill feed (a by-product of the fabrication of soybean flour), and soybean mill run (by-product of the fabrication of soybean meal).

Health benefits

• Soybeans are among the best sources of plant-based proteins like glycinin and β-conglycinin which when present in the body helps to improve metabolism and boosts the overall metabolic system. ⁽¹⁾ 
• It is an excellent source of antioxidants. These antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals which are the dangerous byproducts of cellular metabolism and can cause healthy cells to mutate into deadly cancerous cells. ⁽¹⁾ 
• It helps to lower the total cholesterol levels, mainly LDL cholesterol. This provides protection against conditions like atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. ⁽¹⁾ 
• It is also a rich source of omega 3 which has anti-inflammatory effects and plays an important role in vision and brain health and omega 6 fatty acids which act as a storehouse of energy. ⁽¹⁾ 
• It contains high amounts of isoflavones that are very strong antioxidants and can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. ⁽²⁾
• It is thought that a soy-rich diet helps reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes because the phytoestrogens act as a mild form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). ⁽²⁾

Selection Guide

While selecting soybeans make sure to choose firm and solid bright colored seeds when picking up the loose ones. While buying packed soybeans check if there is any hole or breakage in the packaging as it may lead to the entry of microbes.