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Soybean

The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume Legume

The term legume has two closely related meanings in botany [i], a situation encountered with many botani ... 

 native to eastern Asia Asia

Asia is the largest and most populous continent [i] or region, depending on the definition.... 

. It is an annual plant Annual plant

[i]s and dies in one [[year]... 

 that may vary in growth habit and height. It may grow prostrate, not growing higher than 20 cm , or even stiffly erect up to 2 meters in height. The pods, stems, and leaves are covered with fine brown or gray pubescence. The leaves Leaf

In botany [i], a leaf is an above-ground plant [i] organ [i] specialized for photosynthesis [i]. ... 

 are trifoliate , and the leaflets are 6-15 cm long and 2-7 cm broad; they fall before the seeds are mature. The small, inconspicuous, self-fertile flowers are borne in the axil of the leaf and are either white or purple. The fruit Fruit

The term fruit has different meanings depending on context.... 

 is a hairy pod Legume

The term legume has two closely related meanings in botany [i], a situation encountered with many botani ... 

 that grows in clusters of 3-5, with each pod 3-8 cm long and usually containing 2-4 seed Seed

A seed is the ripened ovule [i] of gymnosperm [i] or angiosperm [i] plant [i]s. ... 

s 5-11 mm in diameter.

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Encyclopedia

The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume Legume

The term legume has two closely related meanings in botany [i], a situation encountered with many botani ... 

 native to eastern Asia Asia

Asia is the largest and most populous continent [i] or region, depending on the definition.... 

. It is an annual plant Annual plant

[i]s and dies in one [[year]... 

 that may vary in growth habit and height. It may grow prostrate, not growing higher than 20 cm , or even stiffly erect up to 2 meters in height. The pods, stems, and leaves are covered with fine brown or gray pubescence. The leaves Leaf

In botany [i], a leaf is an above-ground plant [i] organ [i] specialized for photosynthesis [i]. ... 

 are trifoliate , and the leaflets are 6-15 cm long and 2-7 cm broad; they fall before the seeds are mature. The small, inconspicuous, self-fertile flowers are borne in the axil of the leaf and are either white or purple. The fruit Fruit

The term fruit has different meanings depending on context.... 

 is a hairy pod Legume

The term legume has two closely related meanings in botany [i], a situation encountered with many botani ... 

 that grows in clusters of 3-5, with each pod 3-8 cm long and usually containing 2-4 seed Seed

A seed is the ripened ovule [i] of gymnosperm [i] or angiosperm [i] plant [i]s. ... 

s 5-11 mm in diameter.

Like corn and some other crops of long domestication, the relationship of the modern soybean to wild-growing species can no longer be traced with any degree of certainty. It is a cultural variety with a very large number of cultivar Cultivar

A cultivar is a cultivated plant [i] that has received a name under the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants [i] ... 

s. However, it is known that the progenitor of the modern soybean was a vine-like plant, that grew prone on the ground.

Beans are classed as pulses whereas soybeans are classed as oilseeds. The word soy is derived from the Japanese Japanese language

Japanese is a language spoken by over 127 million people, mainly in Japan [i], but also by Japanese emi ... 

 word shoyu Soy sauce

Soy sauce or soya sauce is a fermented [i] sauce [i] made from soybean [i]s , roast ... 

.

Physical characteristics

Soybeans occur in various sizes, and in several hull or seed coat colors, including black, brown, blue, yellow, and mottled. The hull of the mature bean is hard, water resistant, and protects the cotyledon Cotyledon

A cotyledon is a significant part of the embryo [i] within the seed [i] of a plant [i].... 

 and hypocotyl Hypocotyl

Hypocotyl is a botanical [i] term for a part of a germinating [i] seedling of a... 

  from damage. If the seed coat is cracked the seed will not germinate Germination

Germination is the process where growth emerges from a resting stage.... 

. The scar, visible on the seed coat, is called the hilum and at one end of the hilum is the micropyle, or small opening in the seed coat which can allow the absorption of water.

It is a remarkable fact that seeds such as soybeans, containing very high levels of soy protein, can undergo desiccation Desiccation

Desiccation is the state of extreme dryness, or the process of extreme drying.
... 

 yet survive and revive after water absorption. A.Carl Leopold, son of Aldo Leopold Aldo Leopold

Aldo Leopold was a United States [i] ecologist [i], forester [i], and environmentalist [i].... 

, set out twenty years ago to answer this very question at the Boyce Thompson Institute for Plant Research at Cornell University Cornell University

Cornell University is a private [i] research university [i] located in Ithaca, New York [i] ... 

. Studying the survival of soybeans and corn he found each to have a range of soluble sugars carbohydrate Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are chemical compound [i]s that contain oxygen [i], hydrogen [i], and carbon [i] atom [i]s ... 

 protecting the seed's cell viability.. Patents were awarded to him in the early 1990s on techniques for protecting "biological membranes" and proteins in the dry state.

Chemical composition of the seed

The oil and protein content together account for about 60% of dry soybeans by weight; protein at 40% and oil at 20%. The remainder consists of 35% carbohydrate and about 5% ash. Soybean cultivars comprise approximately 8% seed coat or hull, 90% cotyledons Cotyledon

A cotyledon is a significant part of the embryo [i] within the seed [i] of a plant [i].... 

 and 2% hypocotyl Hypocotyl

Hypocotyl is a botanical [i] term for a part of a germinating [i] seedling of a... 

 axis or germ.

The majority of soy protein is a relatively heat-stable storage protein. It is this heat-stability of the soy protein that enables soy food products requiring high temperature cooking, such as tofu Tofu

Tofu, also called doufu or bean curd , is a food [i] of Chinese [i] origin, made by coagulating [i] ... 

, soymilk and textured vegetable protein to be made.

The principal soluble carbohydrates Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are chemical compound [i]s that contain oxygen [i], hydrogen [i], and carbon [i] atom [i]s ... 

, saccharides, of mature soybeans are the disaccharide sucrose Sucrose

Sucrose is a disaccharide [i] with the molecular formula [i] C12H22O11. ... 

, the trisaccharide raffinose Raffinose

Raffinose is a complex carbohydrate [i], a trisaccharide composed of galactose [i], fructose [i], and glucose [i] ... 

 composed of one sucrose molecule connected to one molecule of galactose Galactose

Galactose is a type of sugar [i] found in dairy product [i]s, in sugar beet [i]s and other gum [i]s an ... 

, and the tetrasaccharide stachyose composed of one sucrose connected to two molecules of galactose.
While the oligosaccharides raffinose and stachyose protect the viability of the soybean seed from desiccation they are not digestible sugars and therefore contribute to flatulence and abdominal discomfort in humans and other monogastric animals. Undigested oligosaccharides are broken down in the intestine by native microbes producing gases such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen, nitrogen, methane, etc.

Soluble soy carbohydrates are found mainly in the whey and are broken down during fermentation, soy concentrate, soy protein isolates, tofu Tofu

Tofu, also called doufu or bean curd , is a food [i] of Chinese [i] origin, made by coagulating [i] ... 

, soy sauce, and sprouted soybeans are without flatus activity. On the other hand, there may be some beneficial effects to ingesting oligosaccharides such as raffinose and stachyose, namely, encouraging indigenous bifidobacteria in the colon against putrefactive bacteria.

The insoluble carbohydrates in soybeans consist of the complex polysaccharides cellulose Cellulose

Cellulose
n
is a long-chain polymer [i]ic polysaccharide [i] carbohydrate [i], of beta-glucose [i] ... 

, hemicellulose, and pectin. The majority of soybean carbohydrates can be classed as belonging to dietary fiber.

Cultivation



Soybeans are an important global crop. It is grown for its oil and protein. The bulk of the crop is solvent extracted for vegetable oil and the defatted soy meal is used for animal feed. A very small proportion of the crop is consumed directly for food by humans. Soybean products, however, appear in a large variety of processed foods.

Soybeans have been a crucial crop in eastern Asia Asia

Asia is the largest and most populous continent [i] or region, depending on the definition.... 

 since long before written records, and they are still a major crop in China China

China is a cultural region [i] and ancient civilization [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

, Korea Korea

Korea
One of the world's oldest civilization [i]s, Korea began with the founding of Gojoseon [i] in 2333 ... 

, and Japan Japan

is an island country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

 today. Soy was not actually used as a food item until they discovered fermentation techniques around 2000 years ago. Prior to fermented products such as soy sauce Soy sauce

Soy sauce or soya sauce is a fermented [i] sauce [i] made from soybean [i]s , roast ... 

, tempeh Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented [i] food made from soybean [i]s, most popular in Indonesia [i], where ... 

, natto Natto

is a traditional Japanese food [i] made from fermented [i] soybean [i]s, popula... 

, and miso, soy was considered sacred for its use in crop rotation as a method of fixing nitrogen. The plants would be plowed under to clear the field for food crops. Soy was first introduced to Europe Europe

Europe is one of the seven traditional continent [i]s of the Earth [i]. ... 

 in the early 1700s and the United States United States

The United States of America, also known as the United States, the U.S., the U.S.A., a... 

 in 1765, where it was first grown for hay. Benjamin Franklin Benjamin Franklin

[i] [[New York|New York State]... 

 wrote a letter in 1770 mentioning sending soybeans home from England. Soybeans did not become an important crop outside of Asia until about 1910. In America, soy was considered an industrial product only and not utilized as a food prior to the 1920's.

Cultivation is successful in climates with hot summers, with optimum growing conditions in mean temperatures of 20 °C to 30 °C ; temperatures of below 20 °C and over 40 °C retard growth significantly. They can grow in a wide range of soils, with optimum growth in moist alluvial soils with a good organic content. Soybeans, like most legumes perform nitrogen fixation Nitrogen fixation

Nitrogen fixation is the process by which nitrogen [i] is taken from its relatively inert molecular form... 

 by establishing a symbiotic Symbiosis

In some cases, the term symbiosis is used only if the association is obligatory and benefits both organisms.... 

 relationship with the bacterium Bradyrhizobium japonicum Rhizobia

Rhizobia are soil [i] bacteria [i] that fix [i] nitrogen [i] after becoming ... 

. However, for best results an inoculum of the correct strain of bacteria should be mixed with the soybean seed before planting. Modern crop cultivar Cultivar

A cultivar is a cultivated plant [i] that has received a name under the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants [i] ... 

s generally reach a height of around 1 m , and take between 80-120 days from sowing to harvesting.

Soybeans are native to southeast Asia, but 45 percent of the world's soybean area, and 55 percent of production, is in the United States. The U.S. produced 75 million metric tons of soybeans in 2000, of which more than one-third was exported. Other leading producers are Brazil Brazil

Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil , is the largest and most populous country [i] ... 

, Argentina Argentina

Argentina is a country in southern South America [i]. ... 

, China, and India India

India , officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia [i]. ... 

.

Environmental groups, such as Greenpeace Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an international environmental organization [i] founded in Vancouver [i], British Columbia [i]... 

 and the WWF, have reported that soybean cultivation and the threat to increase soybean cultivation in Brazil is destroying huge areas of Amazon rainforest Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest is a moist broadleaf forest [i] ... 

 and encouraging deforestation Deforestation

The conversion [i] of forest [i]ed areas to non-forest.... 

. Besides destruction of the rainforest, it destroys unique biodiversity Biodiversity

Biodiversity or biological diversity is the diversity of life [i].... 

 and causes a billion dollar's loss Loss

Loss may refer to:
  • bereavement [i] and grief [i] when a beloved friend, relative, companio ... 

     on technology Technology

    Despite its cultural pervasiveness, technology is an elusive concept.... 

     from bionics Bionics

    Bionics is the application of method [i]s and systems found in nature [i] to the study and design of engineering [i] ... 

     revenue. American soil scientist, Dr. Andrew McClung, who first showed that the infertile Cerrado Cerrado

    The Cerrado is a vast tropical savanna [i] ecoregion [i] of Brazil [i].

... 

 region of Brazil could grow soybeans will be awarded the 2006 World Food Prize on October 19,2006.

The first research on soybeans in the United States was conducted by George Washington Carver George Washington Carver

sources need to be cited within this article
... 

 at Tuskegee, Alabama Tuskegee, Alabama

Tuskegee is a city in Macon County [i], Alabama [i], United States [i]. ... 

, but he decided it was too exotic a crop for the poor black farmers of the South so he turned his attention to peanuts. Peanut Peanut

The peanut or groundnut is a species in the legume [i] family Fabaceae [i] native to South America [i] ... 

s, soybeans, or other legume Legume

The term legume has two closely related meanings in botany [i], a situation encountered with many botani ... 

 plants that would replenish the soil with nitrogen Nitrogen

Nitrogen is a chemical element [i] which has the symbol N and atomic number [i] 7 in the periodic table [i] ... 

 and mineral Mineral

Minerals are natural compounds formed through geological [i] processes. ... 

s were planted for two years and then cotton Cotton

Cotton is a soft fiber [i] that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant , a shrub [i] native to the t ... 

 on the third year. A two-year rotation system alternating maize Maize

Maize , also known as corn, is a cereal [i] grain [i] that was domesticated in Mesoamerica [i]. ... 

 and soybeans is common in much of the U.S.

Uses

Soybeans can be broadly classified as "vegetable" or field types. Vegetable types cook more easily, have a mild nutty flavor, better texture, are larger in size, higher in protein, and lower in oil than field types. Tofu Tofu

Tofu, also called doufu or bean curd , is a food [i] of Chinese [i] origin, made by coagulating [i] ... 

 and soymilk Soy milk

Soy milk is a Chinese [i] milk-like beverage made from soybean [i]s.
... 

 producers prefer the higher protein cultivars bred from vegetable soybeans originally brought to the United States in the late 1930s. The "garden" cultivars are generally not suitable for mechanical combine harvesting because they have a tendency for the pods to shatter on reaching maturity.

Among the legumes, the soybean, also classed as an oilseed, is pre-eminent for its high protein Protein

Proteins are large organic compound [i]s made of amino acid [i]s arranged in a linear chain and joined b ... 

 content as well as its high oil content. Soybeans are the leading agricultural export in the United States. The bulk of the soybean crop is grown for oil production, with the high-protein defatted and "toasted" soy meal used as livestock feed. A smaller percentage of soybeans are used directly for human consumption.

Soybeans may be boiled whole in their green pod and served with salt Edible salt

Edible salt, also called table salt or just salt, is a mineral [i], one of a very few rocks ... 

, under the Japanese name edamame Soybean

The soybean or soya bean is a species of legume [i] native to eastern Asia [i].... 

. Soybeans prepared this way are a popular local snack in Hawai'i Hawaii

Hawaii became the 50th state [i] of the United States [i] on August 21 [i], 1959 [i]. ... 

, where, as in China China

China is a cultural region [i] and ancient civilization [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

, Japan Japan

is an island country [i] in East Asia [i]. ... 

, and Korea Korea

Korea
One of the world's oldest civilization [i]s, Korea began with the founding of Gojoseon [i] in 2333 ... 

 the bean and products made from the bean are a popular part of the diet. In Korean cuisine Cuisine of Korea

Korean cuisine is the traditional food of Korea [i]. ... 

, soybean sprouts are also used in a variety of dishes.

The beans can be processed in a variety of ways. Common forms of soy include soy meal, soy flour Flour

An ingredient used in many food [i]s, flour is a fine powder made from cereal [i]s or other starch [i]y ... 

, "soy milk Soy milk

Soy milk is a Chinese [i] milk-like beverage made from soybean [i]s.
... 

", tofu Tofu

Tofu, also called doufu or bean curd , is a food [i] of Chinese [i] origin, made by coagulating [i] ... 

, textured vegetable protein Textured vegetable protein

Textured vegetable protein, also known as textured soy protein is a meat substitute [i] made from ... 

 , tempeh Tempeh

Tempeh is a fermented [i] food made from soybean [i]s, most popular in Indonesia [i], where ... 

, soy lecithin Lecithin

Lecithin is mostly a mixture of glycolipid [i]s, triglyceride [i]s, and phospholipid [i]s. ... 

 and soybean oil Soybean Oil

Sorry, no overview for this topic 

. Soybeans are also the primary ingredient involved in the production of soy sauce Soy sauce

Soy sauce or soya sauce is a fermented [i] sauce [i] made from soybean [i]s , roast ... 

 .


Genetic Modification

Soybeans are one of the "Biotech Food" crops that are being genetically modified, and GMO soybeans are being used in an increasing number of products. Monsanto is the world's leader in genetically modified soy for the commercial market. In 1995, Monsanto introduced "Roundup Ready" soybeans that have had a complete copy of a gene Gene

A gene is the unit of heredity [i] in living organisms [i].... 

 plasmid Plasmid

A plasmid is a DNA [i] molecule separate from the chromosomal DNA [i] and capable of autonomo ... 

 from the bacteria, Agrobacterium sp. strain CP4, inserted, by means of a gene gun Gene gun

The gene gun is a device for injecting cells with genetic [i] information,
... 

, into its genome that allows the transgenic Genetically modified organism

A genetically modified organism is an organism [i] whose gene [i]tic material has been altered [i] ... 

 plant to survive being sprayed by this non-selective, glyphosate-based herbicide. Roundup kills conventional soybeans. RR soybeans allow a farmer to reduce tillage or even to sow the seed directly into an unplowed field, known as 'No Plow' tillage, greatly reducing soil erosion.

Currently, 81% of all soybeans cultivated for the commercial market are genetically modified. As with other "Roundup Ready" crops, concern is expressed over damage to biodiversity.

Liu, KeShun . Chapman & Hall.]

Archer Daniels Midland Archer Daniels Midland

The Archer Daniels Midland Company, based in Decatur, Illinois [i], operates more than 270 plants worldw ... 

  is among the largest processors of soybeans and soy products. ADM along with DOW, DuPont DuPont

E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company was founded in July 1802 [i] as a gun powder [i] mill by Eleuthre Irne du Pont [i] ... 

 and Monsanto Monsanto

Monsanto Company is a multinational [i] agricultural biotechnology [i] corporation [i].... 

 support the industry trade associations United Soybean Board  and Soyfoods Association of North America . These trade associations have increased the consumption of soy products dramatically in recent years.
-
- The dramatic increase is largely credited to the Food and Drug Administration Food and Drug Administration

The Food and Drug Administration is an agency of the United States Department of Health and Human Services [i]... 

's approval of health claims for soy which very likely is unfounded . Since the bulk of the soy grown in the US is GMO variety the chief beneficiaries of the increase are the biotech seed companies. Dr. Henney who was the FDA commissioner at the time, now sits on the board of biotech giant Astra Zeneca AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca PLC, is a large Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company [i] formed on 6 April [i] 1999 [i] by t... 

. Many top agency officials from the Bush Administration, have been under criticism for close ties to industry and possible financial conflicts of interest. The former USDA United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture is a United States Federal Executive Department [i]. ... 

 Secretary of Agriculture, Daniel Robert Glickman Dan Glickman

Daniel Robert Glickman is an American [i] politician [i]. ... 

, also left to accept seats on the boards of soy related companies including Hain Foods.
-
- From 2001 to 2004, food manufacturers in the US introduced over 1600 new foods with soy as an ingredient, averaging 400 new products per year, according to the Mintel’s Global New Products Database.
-
- From 1992 to 2003, soyfoods sales have experienced a 15% compound annual growth rate, increasing from $300 million to $3.9 billion over 11 years, as new soyfood categories have been introduced, soyfoods have been repositioned in the market place, and new customers have selected soy for health and philosophical reasons. Dramatic growth followed the FDA approval of a health claim linking soy with heart disease reduction.

Oil

In processing soybeans for oil Oil

Oil, in a general sense, is a chemical compound [i] that is not miscible [i] with water [i], and is in a... 

 extraction and subsequent soy flour production, selection of high quality, sound, clean, dehulled yellow soybeans is very important. Soybeans having a dark colored seed coat, or even beans with a dark hilum will inadvertently leave dark specks in the flour, an undesirable factor when used in food products. All commercial soybeans in the United States are yellow or yellow brown.

To produce soybean oil, the soybeans are cracked, adjusted for moisture content, rolled into flakes and solvent-extracted with commercial hexane Hexane

Hexane is an alkane [i] hydrocarbon [i] with the chemical formula [i] CH3(CH2)4CH3. ... 

. The oil is then refined, blended for different applications, and sometimes hydrogenated. Soybean oils, both liquid and partially hydrogenated, are exported abroad, sold as "vegetable oil," or end up in a wide variety of processed foods. The remaining soybean husks are used mainly as animal feed.

The major unsaturated fatty acids in soybean oil triglycerides Triglyceride

is glyceride [i] in which the glycerol [i] is ester [i]ified with three fatty acid [i]s. ... 

 are linolenic acid Alpha-linolenic acid

Alpha-linolenic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-3 [i] fatty acid [i] with the molecul ... 

,C18:3; linoleic acid Linoleic acid

Linoleic acid is an unsaturated omega-6 fatty acid [i] with the molecular formula C18H32O2. ... 

, C-18:2; and oleic acid Oleic acid

Oleic acid is a monounsaturated [i] omega-9 [i] fatty acid [i] found in various anima... 

,C-18:1. Soybean oil has a relatively high proportion, 7-10%, of oxidation prone linolenic acid, which is an undesirable property for continuous service, such as in a restaurant. Two companies, Monsanto Monsanto

Monsanto Company is a multinational [i] agricultural biotechnology [i] corporation [i].... 

 and DuPont/Bunge in 2004 introduced low linolenic, Roundup Ready soybeans: the former introduced a new soybean seed variety called "Vistive" and the latter Pioneer seed variety 93M20. Dupont/Bunge is marketing its low linolenic soybean oil under the brand name Nutrium. The idea is that reducing or eliminating the triple unsaturated fatty acid, linolenic, also eliminates the tendency to be a paint-like drying oil producing noticeable rancidity. In the past hydrogenation reduced the unsaturation in linolenic acid but produced the unnatural trans Trans

Trans is a Latin [i] word meaning "across", "beyond" or "on the opposite side" and is the opposite of... 

 fatty acid trans fat Trans fat

Trans fatty acids are a type of unsaturated fat [i].
... 

 configuration whereas in nature the configuration is cis.

One unintended consequence of moving away from partially hydrogenated soybean oil is the switch to partially saturated palm oil Palm oil

Palm oil is a form of edible vegetable oil [i] obtained from the fruit [i] of the Oil palm [i] tree. ... 

 for frying, especially in China. This fact is resulting in a severe threat of deforestation to pristine forests in Indonesia followed by the planting of oil palm Oil palm

The oil palms comprise two species of the Arecaceae [i], or palm family. ... 

 plantations.



In the 2002-2003 growing season, 30.6 million metric tons of soybean oil were produced worldwide, constituting about half of worldwide edible vegetable oil production, and thirty percent of all fats and oils produced, including animal fats and oils derived from tropical plants.

Meal

Soybean meal, the material remaining after solvent extraction of soybean flakes, with a 50% soy protein content, toasted , and ground, in a hammer mill Hammermill

A hammermill is a machine whose purpose is to shred material into fine particles.... 

, provided the energy for the American revolution, beginning in the 1930s, of growing farm animals such as poultry Poultry

Poultry is the class of domesticated [i] fowl [i] used for food [i] or for their eggs.... 

 and swine Domestic pig

The domestic [i] pig [i] is usually given the scientific name Sus scrofa, though some authors call i ... 

 on an industrial scale; and more recently the aquaculture Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the cultivation of the natural produce of water .... 

 of catfish Catfish

Catfish are a diverse group of fish [i]. ... 

.

Flour

Soy flour refers to defatted soybeans where special care was taken during desolventizing in order to minimize denaturation of the protein to retain a high Nitrogen Solubility Index , for uses such as extruder texturizing . It is the starting material for production of soy concentrate and soy protein isolate.
  • Defatted soy flour, is obtained from solvent extracted flakes, and contains less than 1% oil.
  • Full-fat soy flour, is made from unextracted, dehulled beans, and contains about 18% to 20% oil. Due to its high oil content a specialized Alpine Fine Impact Mill must be used for grinding rather than the more common hammermill.
  • Low fat soy flour, is made by adding back some oil to defatted soy flour. The lipid content varies according to specifications, usually between 4.5% and 9%.
  • High fat soy flour, is produced by adding back soybean oil to defatted flour, at the level of 15%.
  • Lecithinated soy flour, is made by adding soybean lecithin Lecithin

    Lecithin is mostly a mixture of glycolipid [i]s, triglyceride [i]s, and phospholipid [i]s. ... 

     to defatted, low fat or high fat soy flours to increase their dispersibility and impart emulsifying properties. The lecithin content varies up to 15%.

Infant formula Infant formula

Infant formula is the generic term for modern artificial substitutes for human breast milk [i].... 

Infant formulas based on soy are used by lactose-intolerant babies; and for babies that are allergic to human milk proteins and cow milk proteins. The formulas are sold in powdered, ready to feed, or concentrated liquid forms.

It has been recommended internationally by pediactric associations that soy formulas not be used as the primary or sole source of nutrition for infants due to the high risk of several deficiencies including calcium and zinc.

Substitute for existing products

Many traditional dairy product Dairy product

Dairy products are generally defined as food [i]stuffs produced from milk [i]. ... 

s have been imitated using processed soybeans, and imitation products such as "soy milk Soy milk

Soy milk is a Chinese [i] milk-like beverage made from soybean [i]s.
... 

," "soy yogurt Yoghurt

Yoghurt, yogurt or yogurt, or less commonly yoghourt or yogourt, is a dairy product [i]... 

" and "soy cream cheese" are readily available in most supermarket Supermarket

A supermarket is a departmentalized self-service store [i] offering a wide variety of food [i] and house ... 

s. These imitation products are derived from extensive processing to produce a texture and appearance similar to the real dairy-based ones. Soy milk does not contain significant amounts of calcium, since the high calcium content of soybeans is bound to the insoluble constituents and remains in the pulp. Many manufacturers of soy milk now sell calcium-enriched products as well.

Other products

Soybeans are also used in industrial products including oils, soap, cosmetics Cosmetics

*Permanent makeup [i]
  • Testing cosmetics on animals [i] ... 

    , resin Resin

    Resin is a hydrocarbon [i] secretion [i] of many plant [i]s, particularly coniferous trees [i]... 

    s, plastic Plastic

    Plastic covers a range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization [i] products. ... 

    s, ink Ink

    An ink is a liquid [i] containing various pigment [i]s and/or dye [i]s used for colouring a surface to r ... 

    s, crayon Crayon

    A crayon is a stick of colored wax [i], charcoal [i], chalk [i], or other material used for writing and ... 

    s, solvents, clothing Clothing

    Clothing is defined, in its broadest sense, as coverings for the torso and limbs as well as coverings fo... 

    , and biodiesel Biodiesel

    Biodiesel refers to a diesel [i]-equivalent, processed fuel derived from biological sources. ... 

    . Soybeans are also used as fermenting stock to make a brand of vodka Vodka

    Vodka is typically a color [i]less liquor [i], usually distilled [i] from fermented [i] ... 

    .


Henry Ford Henry Ford

Henry Ford was the founder of the Ford Motor Company [i] and father of the modern assembly line [i] use ... 

 promoted the soybean, helping to develop uses for it both in food and in industrial products, even demonstrating auto body panels made of soy-based plastics. Ford's interest lead to 2 bushels of soybeans being used in each Ford car as well as products like the first commercial soy milk Soy milk

Soy milk is a Chinese [i] milk-like beverage made from soybean [i]s.
... 

, ice cream and all-vegetable non-dairy whipped topping.

The Ford development of so called soy-based plastics was based on the addition of soybean flour and wood flour to phenolformaldehyde plastics.

In 1931 Ford, who said, "most people dig their graves with their teeth", hired the chemists Robert Boyer and Frank Calvert in a "Quest" for artificial silk. They succeeded in making a textile fiber of spun soy protein fibers, hardened or tanned in a formaldehyde Formaldehyde

The chemical compound [i] formaldehyde , is a gas [i] with a pungent smell. ... 

 bath which was given the name Azlon by the Federal Trade Commission. Pilot plant production of Azlon reached 5000 pounds per day in 1940, but never reached the commercial market. However, Henry Ford did have the "now famous" suit made for him of Azlon which he wore on special occasions.
The winning textile fiber in the "Quest" for artificial silk was, of course, Nylon Nylon

Nylon [i] represents a family of synthetic polymer [i]s, a thermoplastic [i] material, fir ... 

 a synthetic polyamide Polyamide

A polyamide is a polymer [i] containing monomer [i]s joined by peptide bond [i]s. ... 

 or artificial protein discovered in 1935 by Wallace H.Carothers at DuPont DuPont

E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company was founded in July 1802 [i] as a gun powder [i] mill by Eleuthre Irne du Pont [i] ... 

.
[Soybeans and Soybean Products, Vol.II,edited by K.H. Markley,1951]

Today, very high quality textile fibers are made commercially from okara or soy pulp, a by- product of tofu Tofu

Tofu, also called doufu or bean curd , is a food [i] of Chinese [i] origin, made by coagulating [i] ... 

 production.

Nutrition


Protein

Soybeans are a source of complete protein Protein

Proteins are large organic compound [i]s made of amino acid [i]s arranged in a linear chain and joined b ... 

. A complete protein is one that contains significant amounts of all the essential amino acids that must be provided to the human body Human anatomy

Human anatomy or anthropotomy is a special field within anatomy [i].... 

 because of the body's inability to synthesize them. For this reason, soy is important to many vegetarians Vegetarianism

Vegetarianism is the practice of not consuming meat [i], with or without the use of other animal derivat... 

 and vegans Veganism

Veganism is a philosophy [i] and lifestyle [i] that avoids using animals and animal products for food, ... 

. Soy protein is similar to that of other legume seeds, but has the highest yield per square meter of growing area, and is the least expensive source of dietary protein. The only non-legume to have an almost identical protein profile to soy is the cereal oat Oat

The Oat is a species of cereal grain [i], and the seed [i]s of this plant [i].... 

 , and perhaps quinoa Quinoa

Quinoa is a species of goosefoot [i] grown as a crop [i] primarily for its edible seed [i]s ... 

. However, rapeseed Rapeseed

Rapeseed, also known as Rape, Oilseed Rape, Rapa, Rapaseed and Canola, is ... 

/Canola may actually even have a better amino acid profile than soy protein.

The original Protein Efficiency Ratio PER method of measuring soy protein quality was found to be flawed for humans because the young rats used in the study have higher relative requirements for sulfur-containing amino acids. The FAO/WHO  adapted a new method: Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score. Based on the new method, soy protein is considered equivalent in quality to animal proteins.

Egg white has a score of 1.00, isolated soy protein 0.92, soy concentrate 0.99, beef 0.92. The digestibilities of some soyfoods are as follows: steamed soybeans 65.3%, tofu 92.7%, soy "milk" 92.6%, soy protein isolate 93–97%

Vitamins and minerals


Of any studied legume, whole soybeans have the highest levels of phytic acid Phytic acid

Phytic acid is the principal storage form of phosphorus [i] in many plant [i] tissue [i] ... 

, an organic acid and mineral chelator Chelation

Chelation is the process of reversible [i] binding [i] of a ligand [i]; the chelant, chelator ... 

 present in many plant tissues, especially bran Bran

[i] and [[pericarp]... 

 and seed Seed

A seed is the ripened ovule [i] of gymnosperm [i] or angiosperm [i] plant [i]s. ... 

s, which binds to certain ingested minerals: calcium, magnesium, iron, and especially zinc—in the intestinal tract, and reduces the amount the body assimilates. For people with a particularly low intake of essential minerals, especially young children and those in developing countries Developing country

A developing country is a country [i] with a relatively low standard of living [i], undeveloped industrial base [i] ... 

, this effect can be undesirable. However, dietary mineral chelators help prevent over-mineralization of joints, blood vessels, and other parts of the body, which is most common in older persons. The Journal of Environmental Nutrition

The role of soyfoods in disease prevention


Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acid

Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated [i] fatty acid [i]s classified as essential [i] ... 

, for example, linolenic acid Alpha-linolenic acid

Alpha-linolenic acid is a polyunsaturated omega-3 [i] fatty acid [i] with the molecul ... 

 C18-3, all cis, 9,12,15 octadecatrienoic acid are special fat components that benefit many body functions. For instance, they inhibit blood clotting. Soybean oil is one of the only common vegetable oils that contains a significant amount of omega-3s; others include canola Canola

In agriculture [i], Canola is a trademarked cultivar [i] of the rapeseed [i] plant from which rapeseed o ... 

, walnut, and flax Flax

Flax is a member of the genus Linum [i] in the family Linaceae [i]. ... 

.

Isoflavones

Soybeans also contain isoflavone Isoflavone

Isoflavones are a class of organic compound [i]s and biomolecule [i]s related to the flavonoid [i]s Kauf ... 

s, a type of phytoestrogen, that are considered by some nutritionists and physicians to be useful in the prevention of cancer and by others to be carcinogenic and endocrine disruptive. Soy's high levels of phytoestrogens are the subject of heated debate and controversy. They are also blamed for some thyroid Thyroid

The thyroid is one of the larger endocrine [i] glands in the body.... 

 and reproductive health problems. Isoflavones are polyphenol compounds, produced primarily by beans and other legumes, including peanut Peanut

The peanut or groundnut is a species in the legume [i] family Fabaceae [i] native to South America [i] ... 

s and chickpea Chickpea

The chickpea, 'chick pea, 'garbanzo bean, 'ceci bean, 'bengal gram, 'chana or '... 

s.

Isolated phytoestrogen like isoflavones are an active area of research. The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences May 28, 2002 contains the article "The phytoestrogen genistein induces thymic and immune changes: A human health concern?" It studies the effect of the isolated soy isoflavones genistein and daidzein, commonly found in dietary supplements and infant formulas, on adult mice with their ovaries removed. The study found the mice had thymic and immune system abnormalities and reduction in immune system activity that suggest further research into human phytoestrogen response is warranted.

From a website that advertises saliva pH PH

pH is a measure of the acidity [i] of a solution [i], in terms of activity [i] of hydrogen [i] ... 

 alkalinity as a form of cancer Cancer

Cancer is a class of disease [i]s or disorders characterized by uncontrolled division [i] ... 

 protection :

"Researchers Daniel Doerge and Daniel Sheehan, two of the FDA's experts on soy, signed a letter of protest, which points to studies that show a link between soy and health problems in certain animals. The two say they tried in vain to stop the FDA approval of soy because it could be misinterpreted as a broader general endorsement beyond benefits for the heart."

The anti-soy website Soy Online Service has the original letter in pdf Portable Document Format

Portable Document Format is a file format [i] proprietary [i] to Adobe Systems [i] for representing two ... 

.

The FDA has since publicly rejected these claims due to lack of evidence and cite numerous studies that uphold the health benefits of soy foods.

Reduce cholesterol?

In 1995, the New England Journal of Medicine published a report from the University of Kentucky University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky, also referred to as UK, is a public [i], co-educational [i] ... 

 entitled, "Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Soy Protein Intake on Serum Lipids." It was financed by the PTI division of DuPont,"The Solae Co." St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis, Missouri

St. Louis , sometimes written Saint Louis, encompasses an independent city [i] in the U.S. state [i] ... 

, a soy producer and marketer. This meta-analysis concluded that soy protein is correlated with significant decreases in serum cholesterol, Low Density Lipoprotein LDL  and triglyceride concentrations. However, High Density Lipoprotein HDL did not increase. Soy phytoestrogens  adsorbed Adsorption

Adsorption is a process that occurs when a gas or liquid or solute [i] accumulates on the surface of a ... 

 onto the soy protein were suggested as the agent reducing serum cholesterol levels. On the basis of this research PTI, in 1998, filed a petition with FDA for a health claim that soy protein may reduce cholesterol and the risk of heart disease. It should be noted that only subjects with serum cholesterol of 250mg/dl and higher showed any improvement in the study.

The FDA granted this health claim for soy: "25 grams of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce the risk of heart disease." One serving, of soy milk, for instance, contains 6 or 7 grams of soy protein. Solae resubmitted their original petition, asking for a more vague health claim, after their original was challenged and highly criticised. Solae also submitted a petition for a health claim that soy can help prevent cancer. They quickly withdrew the petition for lack of evidence and after more than 1000 letters of protest were received.

In January, 2006 an American Heart Association American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is a non-profit organization [i] in the United States [i] that fosters ap ... 

 review of a decade long study of soy protein benefits casts doubt on the FDA allowed "Heart Healthy" claim for soy protein. This review of the literature compared soy protein and its component isoflavones with casein , wheat protein, and mixed animal proteins. The review panel also found that soy isoflavones have not been shown to reduce post menopause "hot flashes" in women and the efficacy and safety of isoflavones to help prevent cancers of the breast, uterus or prostate is in question. Thus, soy isoflavone supplements in food or pills is not recommended. Among the conclusions the authors state, "In contrast, soy products such as tofu, soy butter, soy nuts, or some soy burgers should be beneficial to cardiovascular and overall health because of their high content of polyunsaturated fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals and low content of saturated fat. Using these and other soy foods to replace foods high in animal protein that contain saturated fat and cholesterol may confer benefits to cardiovascular health."

The original paper is in the journal Circulation: January 17,2006

Potential problems with soy


Phytoestrogen

Soybean isoflavones Isoflavone

Isoflavones are a class of organic compound [i]s and biomolecule [i]s related to the flavonoid [i]s Kauf ... 

  are not the primary source of phytoestrogens in the human diet. Plant lignans Lignan

A lignan is a chemical compound [i] found in plant [i]s. ... 

 associated with high fiber foods such as cereal brans and beans are the principal precursor to mammalian lignans which have an ability to bind to human estrogen sites, thus mimicking the hormone estrogen. The best source of lignans is flax seed but soybeans are a significant source of mammalian lignan precursor secoisolariciresinol  containing 13-273 ug/100 g dry weight.
A third phytoestrogen, in the human diet, with stronger estrogen activity than either isoflavones or lignan but much less well studied is coumestans which are found in beans, split-peas, with the best sources being alfalfa, clover, and soybean sprouts. Coumesterol, an isoflavone coumarin Coumarin

Coumarin is a chemical compound [i] found in many plant [i]s, notably in high concentration in the tonka bean [i] ... 

 derivative is the only coumestan in foods.

Phytoestrogen in men

Because of the phytoestrogen content, some studies suggest that there is a correlation between a soybean-rich diet and a decrease in the level of testosterone Testosterone

Testosterone is a steroid [i] hormone [i] from the androgen [i] group. ... 

 in men, although these findings are controversial.


A study carried out at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast linked soy to male infertility, including damage of reproductive capability already caused during childhood. The study also points out that "soy is not just consumed by vegetarians, it is contained in a lot of everyday processed foods."

Phytoestrogen in infant formula

There are some studies that suggest that a phytoestrogen in soy can lead to alterations in the proliferation and migration of intestinal cells. The effects of these alterations are unknown. However, some studies conclude there are no adverse effects in human growth, development, or reproduction as a result of the consumption of soy-based infant formula. Other studies conclude that more research is needed to answer the question of what effect phytoestrogens have on infants.

Allergens

With the increased use of soybean in western diet comes also a danger of food allergies. About 8% of children in the USA are allergic to soybean proteins. The major soy allergen has been identified by scientists at USDA United States Department of Agriculture

The United States Department of Agriculture is a United States Federal Executive Department [i]. ... 

. Both transgenic Genetically modified organism

A genetically modified organism is an organism [i] whose gene [i]tic material has been altered [i] ... 

 and conventional soybean varieties without the allergenic protein have been prepared, and hopefully will soon reach the market. This will be particularly important for preparation of baby formulas, since dual allergy to both milk and soy proteins is not uncommon. Soya allergy, typically, will manifest itself approximately a day after consumption of the beans. Common symptoms are urticaria Urticaria

Urticaria or hives is a relatively common form of allergic reaction [i] that causes raised ... 

, rash, itching, and redness of the skin.

Thyroid Thyroid

The thyroid is one of the larger endocrine [i] glands in the body.... 

 effects


Eating as little as 35 grams a day has been said to cause thyroid function suppression in previously healthy adult women and men.

Cancer

A 1985 animal study showed that young rats Brown Rat

The Brown Rat or Norway Rat is one of the best-known and common rat [i]s, and also one of the lar ... 

 fed large amounts of soy products as their primary food source showed an increased risk of pancreatic cancer Pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumour [i] within the pancreatic gland [i]. ... 

. This is probably because rats are extremely sensitive to dietary protease inhibitors like those found in soybeans, which can disrupt the action of digestive enzymes needed to break down protein. This condition has not been found in many other animals, and is not known to occur in humans.

See also

  • Soy allergy
  • Biodiesel Biodiesel

    Biodiesel refers to a diesel [i]-equivalent, processed fuel derived from biological sources. ... 

  • Protein per unit area
  • Soybean rust Soybean rust

    Soybean rust, also known as Asian soybean rust, is a disease that affects soybean [i]s and other... 

  • Soy cheese
  • Soy milk Soy milk

    Soy milk is a Chinese [i] milk-like beverage made from soybean [i]s.

... 


  • Soy protein
  • Soy pulp
  • Soy sauce Soy sauce

    Soy sauce or soya sauce is a fermented [i] sauce [i] made from soybean [i]s , roast ... 

  • Soybean cyst nematode Soybean cyst nematode

    The soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines, is a plant-parasitic nematode [i] and a devast ... 

  • Soybean wax
  • Vegetable oil
  • Soy Bomb

References


  • S. Blackman, R. Obendorf and A. C. Leopold . "Maturation Proteins and Sugars in Desiccation Tolerance of Developing Soybean Seeds." Plant Physiology, 100 : 226-230.
  • Soybeans and Soybean Products, Vol. II, edited by K.H. Markley, 1951
  • Smith, A. K. and Circle, S. J. . Soybeans: Chemistry and Technology, AVI Publishing[1]
  • Tofu & Soymilk Production . Volume 2: The Book of Tofu. William Shurtleff and Akiko Aoyagi.
  • Tofu & Soymilk Production . Volume 2: The Book of Tofu. 3rd edition. William Shurtleff and Akiko Aoyagi. Soyfoods Center].*
  • Liu, KeShun . Chapman & Hall.]
  • Ang, Catharina Y. W., KeShun Liu, and Yao-Wen Huang, eds. . . Lancaster, Pennsylvania: Technomic Publishing Co.
  • Berk, Zeki FAO .
  • Jordan, D. C. . Transfer of Rhizobium japonicum Buchanan 1980 to Bradyrhizobium gen. nov., a genus of slow-growing, root nodule bacteria from leguminous plants. Int. J. Syst. Bacteriol. 32: 136-139.
  • Frank Sacks, et al . "Soy Protein, Isoflavones, and Cardiovascular Health." Circulation, 113 : 1034-1044.

External links