Savory Soy

The soy bean has been around for centuries and was a crop first cultivated in Asia. For those who are vegan or vegetarian it is a staple and is often consumed daily replacing milk and milk products. One of the most used and common forms of soybean is tofu. I have written several lens which include some tasty tofu recipes but with April being national Soy month I thought it would be fun to look at the soy bean in more depth. For those who haven't yet embraced the idea of tofu or soy milk maybelearning the benefits to your over all health will change your mind.

A little soy history-

The soy bean called a soya bean in the UK.is a great source of protein. Soy beans grown today are native to the crops first grown in East Asia. Soy plants remain a major crop in Japan,Korea and China. The cultivation of soy plants predates written records and the soy plant was historically thought to be sacred and instrumental for crop rotation. A written record of soy was found in a classic Japanese text which recorded ancient matters called the Kojik, the Kojiki was thought to be completed as early as 712 CE.This edible bean has gone from an ancient text to becoming such familiar products as soy sauce and miso (when fermented.) Other items also easily recognizable on our grocery store shelves are soy milk and tofu (non-fermented soy bean.)

Soy bean was first introduced to such countries as India,Indonesia the Philippines,Thailand,Vietnam, Taiwan and Cambodia between the 13th and 15th centuries. Soy bean plants were first introduced to America in 1765 by Samuel Bowen a sailor who traveled frequently to China. Benjamin Franklin also referenced the soy plant in 1770 recommending it to be imported to England. Soy crops did not become a staple crop in North American until 1910. Prior to the early 19th century they were primarily used to grow hay.

Fun-Facts about soy-

After WWII soy bean was used to regenerate crops in the dust bowl. Henry Ford shortly after the war became a great supporter of the soy bean eventually becoming a leader in the soy bean industry. Ford promoted the soy bean and began developing it not only for food but also for industrial use. Soy-bean oils were developed to paintautomobile doors and soy was developed into a plastic used to create body panels. In 1941 a prototype car was developed using this soy-based plastic called the "Soy-Bean Car." Between 1932-1933 Ford Company spent over 1,250,000 on researching soy bean for potential products. Foods developed out of this research were soy milk,ice cream products and non-dairy whipped topping.

In 1931 Ford hired two chemists Robert Boyer and Frank Calvert to develop artificial silk. Using a textile fiber made from soy fiber proteins and processed in a formaldehyde bath to harden it proved successful. The product was given the name Azion and could be made into felt hats,overcoats and suits. Unfortunately for Ford although a break-through development Dupont's creation of nylon as a artificial silk became the commercial success. Just think if things had gone differently you may have been slipping on a Azion windbreaker prior to heading out the door not one made out of nylon!

The nutritional value of soy.

Soy also has a great nutritional value. Soy bean is high in calcium 277 mg per serving and protein averaging 36.5 grams per serving. Soy is also high in fiber and low in saturated fatty acids. it is an excellent source of magnesium. Extremely low in calories if introduced gradually into a daily diet i.e. replacing whole milk with soy milk etc. can help you shed some pounds.

There have recently been several studies done with menopausal women with soy as a part of their daily diet. The studies have show a decrease in menopausal symptoms. Soy products are also being studied for their benefits for those with osteoporosis. Increasing proteins and calcium into your diet may be just as easy as drinking a single glass of soy milk daily or using tofu in some of your food preparations. Everything in moderation and your doctor should always be advised when making any drastic changes to your eating habits.

What a surprise!

While researching this lens even I a self-proclaimed "Soy-Bean Queen" was shocked at all the different ways it could be used. I have tried shampoos and conditioners.used soy wax to create candles and have even looked for fabrics that may have be made using the Ford process. Numerous products you may see on your store shelves while shopping contain an element of this versatile plant. Start looking at labels as I now do. You will be amazed by how often the soy-bean is used.

Soy milk,tofu,soy sauce and bean paste may be the soy you are most familiar with.They shockingly are just the tip of the iceberg. This wonderful plant is largely over-looked. If "different" is good for you as it is for me try branching out some and look for those products derived from soy. I don't think you will be disappointed.