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Soybeans:
The Popular Legume
For Healthy Snacks

Soybeans, also known as soya bean or glycine max, is a legume (bean family) that is native to eastern Asian countries, especially China. History has documented proof of soya beans being used as a food product or for healthy snacks back 3000 years (11th century BC) in the northern regions of China. After working its way through all parts of the world, the United States was first introduced to this amazing legume in 1765 as an agricultural crop.

Some Documented Characteristics of the Soya Bean

Soy is touted as a complete source of proteins as 100% of the essential amino acids needed for the human body are contained in the bean.
The soya bean is low in polyunsaturated fats - making it high in omega 3's which are considered the "good" fats for your body
Cholesterol free
High in antioxidants, B vitamins and Iron

Healthy Benefits For The Human Body

By replacing animal proteins (cow's milk) with plant-based proteins (soy milk), you can decrease your cholesterol levels
Reduces the severity of hot flashes in women during menopause
Possible link has been proven during research trials that a reduction of breast cancer and prostate cancer is possible if consumed as a lifetime habit
Soya infant feeding formula available for many children's use if allergic to cow's milk

Early Usage Of Glycine Max In The United States

After soybeans were first introduced to the United States, some unusual usages of this versatile bean was inspired by Henry Ford of the Ford Motor Company. At the manufacturing operations, the soya bean became at least 20% of every vehicle sold. With much in-house research and development, every vehicle contained the following soy-based parts:

soy-based automotive paint used for exterior
shock absorber fluids
auto body parts and panels (soy-based plastics)
soy spun textiles and fabrics

Current Usage In The United States

The largest percentage, approximately 80% of the soya crop is used world-wide for the feeding of livestock. The remaining 20% is then used by humans in our food supply. Generally, it is processed into a vegetable oil or it is used as an extender in many processed foods.

Does Soy Cause Cancer?

While current research studies are being used to determine if the soybean or any of its related products can be blamed for an increase in cancer rates, some countries that previously did not show noticeable occurrences of these conditions are now being studied for the difference. It is trying to be determined how and what has changed to make this noticeable difference.

It has been shown with excessive consumption, the possibility exists that the extracts from the soybeans act like weak estrogens in the human body. With excessive consumption, prolonged exposure can cause certain cancers. Other evidence though from other countries that do consume high concentrations of soybeans have shown a reduction of cancerous diseases.

Medical science is therefore still trying to find what links exist that they are missing in this puzzle to solve this apparent mystery.

Return to "Soy Allergy" from "Soybeans".

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*Disclaimer*
This site is not intended to replace the advice and supervision of your professional medical treatment plan. Although all of the information is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge, we still recommend you carefully check all food labels before consuming any food product. We can not assume any legal responsibility for any illness obtained while following the advice contained on this site.

SBI!