SAN DIEGO, Aug. 27, 2019— Soybeans are the most widely grown and utilized legume worldwide, according to bbcgoodfoodshow.com.

Soybeans were once used as a coffee substitute

The subtropical soy plant dates back to 1134 to 246 B.C. and is a native of China.
First cultivated in the United States in the 1800s, soybeans were used as a coffee substitute during the Civil War.

Soybeans attracted the attention of Henry Ford, who is alleged to have spent millions of dollars on research and development to assess their potential for being manufactured for multiple uses. He later served a meal made entirely from soy to the press corps at the 1934 World’s Fair, according to Marcelle Pick, OB-GYN, in his article “Soy: What are the healthy benefits, published in Women to Women.

Soy is now a widely consumed protein substitute and mainstay, favored by many vegetarians due to its naturally occurring high protein, low saturated fat and high fiber content.

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Soy is frequently used in the manufacture of many processed foods

There are many common sources of soy, according to the Mayo Clinic:

Roasted soybeans

Green soybeans

Soy flour

Tempeh

Tofu

Tofu yogurt

Soy hot dogs

Miso

Soy butters

Soy milk

Soy cheeses

Veggie burgers

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How healthy are soybeans?

Many food-producing animals consume soy as a regular part of their overall diet.
It has been widely speculated that soy protein helps with health symptoms caused by menopause and that it may prevent certain cancers, reduce the risks associated with heart disease, lower cholesterol and strengthen bones.

The widely speculated-on health benefits of soy may not be fully established, requiring more scientific research before any conclusions can be fully substantiated.

There is a growing belief that soy, if it is consumed over the long-term and in sufficient amounts, could actually contribute to many health problems, including inhibiting thyroid hormone production, development of skin conditions, allergies, bleeding, bloating, migraines, development of kidney stones and contraindicating many prescribed medications and over-the-counter painkillers and supplements.

Consuming soy could possibly interfere with current medical treatments or exacerbate a variety of medical conditions

“One of the primary reasons it would be wise for you to avoid soy is that more than 90 percent of soybeans grown in the United States are genetically modified… Since the introduction of genetically engineered foods in 1996, we’ve had an upsurge in low birth weight babies, infertility and other problems in the U.S., and animal studies have shown devastating effects from genetically engineered soy, including allergies, sterility, birth defects and offspring death rates up to five times higher than normal,” according to Dr. Joseph Mercola, in his article, “The Health Dangers of Soy,” published in the Huffington Post.

The positive or negative benefits of consuming soy are influenced by genetics, environment, overall health and how one’s body generally feels following consumption.

Considering that there are possible long-range side-effects, including the development of inflammation and other disease-related processes, with long-term consumption of soy, it is highly recommended to consult a qualified health care provider to determine what is best.

The good news is that fermented soy products from organic sources are likely safe and highly beneficial to health–in fact, they are widely used as a traditional Asian condiment, but not generally as a primary source of protein, according to Dr. Mercola. Some of the condiments:

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Tasty soy condiments

Miso

Tempeh

Natto

Soy sauce

The Chinese have regarded the ancient soybean as a “necessity for life,” according to bbcgoodfoodsshow.com.

Enjoy the many health and culinary benefits of consuming soy in moderation or as a condiment, sharing in the spirit of the ancient wisdom which has brought the soybean to the fore, continuing to delight consumers to this day!

Until next time, enjoy the ride in good health!