5 Amazing Facts About Soybeans

This post was last updated on November 28th, 2022 at 11:58 am

Soybeans are a major leguminous crop grown worldwide and a source of protein and oil. They provide essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, calcium, and more. Everyone knows that soybeans are edible and versatile, but many people are unaware of the other amazing facts that soybeans possess.

So, we have brought you five amazing facts about soybeans that will help you understand the crop better.

What Is Soybean?

Soybeans are a type of legume and are thus related to beans and peas. They are native to East Asian countries such as China, Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. In recent decades, soybeans have become an important crop worldwide due to their high protein content and versatility.

Soybean refers to the seeds and plants that produce them. Although “soy” refers to the product, people often use it interchangeably with “tofu.”

You can grow soybeans under different names depending on where they are produced. For example, soybeans grown in North America are “edamame,” while those grown in Brazil are “natto.”

Soybeans can come in many forms, including whole, crushed, and textured vegetable protein. They can also serve as meat substitutes, added to baked goods, and into sauces and dressings.

Furthermore, Soybeans are well-appreciated in the US, and you’ll find several U.S. Soy articles online to give you a better insight.

Here Are The Five Amazing Facts About Soybeans

1. Soy Is Beneficial To The Health

Soybeans contain several beneficial compounds that are good for your health. These include:

• Omega 3 fatty acids – The most common omega 3 fatty acid in soybeans is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA). ALA reduces triglycerides, lowers blood pressure, and prevents heart disease. It also treats certain types of cancer.
• Fiber – Soybeans are rich sources of dietary fiber. So, they’re great at helping keep your digestive system healthy.
• Protein – Soybeans are one of the richest plant sources of complete proteins. That means that they contain all eight essential amino acids needed by humans.
• Phytochemicals – Soybeans have phytochemicals, which are antioxidants that protect cells from damage.
• Antioxidants – Soybeans have antioxidants that protect against free radicals. Free radicals are harmful molecules that cause cell damage and contribute to aging.
• Magnesium – Soybeans are a good source of magnesium, which helps maintain bone density and muscle function.

2. No Part Of Soybean Is Useless

The soybean is a highly versatile and nutritious legume with many uses. Every part of the soybean is helpful in some way, whether for food, animal feed, or even as a natural fertilizer.

The soybean is a critical ingredient in many Asian dishes and is also used to make soy milk, tempeh, and tofu. Also, the soybean plant is used for cover crops and green manure.

3. Soybeans Create Their Fertilizers

Soybeans are legumes, and they can create their fertilizer. This occurs through a process called nitrogen fixation, where nitrogen from the air converts into a form that plants can use. This process is performed by bacteria that live in symbiosis with the soybean plant.

Then, bacteria take in nitrogen and convert it into a form of nitrogen that the plant can use. In return, the plant provides the bacteria with a place to live and a food source. This symbiotic relationship is what allows soybeans to create their fertilizer. Thus, it makes them a very efficient and sustainable crop.

4. Soybeans Are Used To Make Biodiesel

Biodiesel comes from vegetable oil and alcohol. Soybeans are an excellent source of vegetable oils, making them perfect for biodiesel production. They are also high in protein, which makes them ideal for livestock feed.

So, you can combine soybean oil with an alcohol, such as methanol, to make biodiesel. Then, you can use the resulting mixture in any diesel engine.

Biodiesel is a renewable, clean-burning fuel made from plant oils and fats. It works in any diesel engine and is produced in many ways, including transesterification.

Biodiesel has several advantages over traditional fossil fuels. It is biodegradable, non-toxic, and produces lower carbon dioxide emissions and other pollutants.

Another reason soybean is excellent for producing biodiesel is that it is high in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, which are easy to convert into biodiesel. The oil also has a high flash point, which can work in higher-temperature applications. In addition, soybeans are a renewable resource that can be grown on various soils.

Soybean biodiesel has some challenges, however. One is that soybeans are a food crop, so there is potential for competition with other uses for the crop. Another is that soybean oil can solidify at cold temperatures, making it difficult to use in winter.

But overall, soybeans are a versatile crop used to produce biodiesel, a fuel with many benefits.

5. Soy Oils Can Serve As Lubricants

• Today, soybean oil is one of the most common lubricants in machinery, automobiles, and appliances.
• People also use it in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals because of its moisturizing properties.
• Some people think of soybean oil as a healthy alternative to petroleum-based products.

Conclusion:

Soybean is a leguminous crop that serves many purposes. It is a good source of protein and oil and has become a staple crop in many parts of the world. We hope you also enjoy the goodness of this delicious legume!