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Soy Is Nutritious
Soybean (glycine max) is a species of legume native to East Asia which was grown for its nutritious edible bean. Soy is a staple crop option gaining popularity as the world's most grown legume for consumers and animal feed source. Soy protein is a high quality protein source composed of 9 essential amino acids featuring key health benefits for the body lowering bad LDL cholesterol to help protect heart health, manage blood sugar levels, supporting weight control. Beneficial plant compounds like isoflavones stabilize the brain's temperature control center offering a natural option for cooling down the body's temperature. "Isoflavone is a phytoestrogen and a nonsteroidal compound. Isoflavones are abundant in soybeans beans, pulses, lentils, clover and alfalfa. The most dietary source of isoflavones in most populations is soy.” PubMed. Soybeans are especially nutritious to eat as an important source of protein fiber, vitamins and polyunsaturated fats.
The nutrient profile of soy provides folate, riboflavin and vitamin B6 for energy metabolism. Soy contains vitamin K supporting blood clotting and bone mineralization. According to the Nutrition Source soy contains high levels of magnesium, iron, potassium and phosphorus, It is a complete protein delivering all 9 essential amino acids. Soy is a crucial source of food eaten for its protein content and widely used in cooking as well as industry applications. Soy was domesticated from wild soy plants (Glycine soja) in North central China between 6,000 and 9,000 years ago. The United States and Brazil lead the world modern day soy production together producing nearly 70% of the world’s soybeans. Brazil ranks the top producer and exporter while the United States followers closely as the second largest producer.” USDA. U.S. Soybean production for 2026 through 2027 is forecasted at a record 4.5 billion bushels driven by an 85.4 million planted acres across the USA. Strong domestic processing and an increase in export demand continue to support the market with prices averaging 11.40 per bushel weighing 60 pounds about 27.2 kilograms.
Soy is often used in culinary preparations using a wide variety of derivative products including soy sauce, textured tofu, and seasonings spicing any dish with an aromatic blend of minced garlic, sliced ginger, shallots or scallions. Traditional uses of unfermented soybeans, soy milks, edamame, from which tofu and tofu skin is made of. Fermented soy foods include fermented bean paste, soy sauce, tempeh, and natto which is a traditional Japanese food typically served at breakfast with rice. Fat free soybean meal is a significant cheap protein source for many packaged meals. One cup of cooked soy is only 310 calories, 16.06 grams fat, 17.77 grams carbs, 29.77 grams protein, per serving. “Cooked mature soybeans contain 9 grams of fat of total fat per 100 gram serving. That is mostly unsaturated fat consisting primarily of polyunsaturated fat like omega 6 and omega 3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats with a very small amount of saturated fat.” University of Rochester.
Soy sesame tempeh skewers are simply delicious and easy to make cutting tempeh into cubes. Toss them in a mix of 2 tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tbsp of sesame oil garlic, ginger and maple syrup. Thread the tempeh cubs onto soaked skewers then grill or bake at 400 degrees F for 15 to 20 minutes until golden brown in color. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds then serve with a peanut dipping sauce. People often take an isoflavone supplement to reduce body temperature, support bone mineral density, improve heart and blood vessel function. Designer Wellness Soy Isolate protein powder supplement with Biotin, Hyaluronic acid and probiotics, vegan 0 sugar, Non-GMO is packed with multifunctional benefits. Vitamin and mineral wellness blend promotes healthy skin, hair, nails and calcium biotin, hyaluronic acid, folate and vitamin D may enhance muscle recovery and healthy bones.
Cheers!
Patricia Lynn
Images Courtesy of Ella Olsson at Unsplash
