Only the lazy have not heard of soy today. A huge number of semi-finished and final food products are prepared from it. Soy is a nutritious, protein product, very valuable for our body. At the same time, it is very cheap, so the manufacturer tries to replace some of the ingredients in recipes with it, primarily to reduce costs and increase profitability. This is how soy appeared in sweets and various semi-finished products: dumplings, pasties, cutlets.

In addition, there are many delicious and healthy independent products that can diversify your table. These are tofu and soy mince, dry semi-finished products (asparagus, flakes), intended for consumption after preliminary soaking. As you can see, soy is a universal product - more about soybean export to EU at the link.

A little history

How long ago have we learned about this plant? Relatively recently, many consider this legume to be a novelty, a miracle of genetic engineering. In fact, soybean is a crop that was known even before our era. Hippocrates used it as a medicine. In Russia, they seriously thought about growing these legumes in 1905, when food shortages arose and it was decided to introduce it into the soldiers’ diet.

Soybean is a unique plant. It contains about half of the protein; in addition, about 30% is allocated to enzymes, pectins and organic acids. However, the most important advantage is the high protein content. This plant is unpretentious and high-yielding. It turns out that soy products are about 15 times cheaper than meat products.

What is made from soybeans

Today, vegetarian practice is becoming very popular. However, the protein deficiency in the body still needs to be compensated. Therefore, modern people know well what soy is. However, the beans require some processing. Let's briefly list what soy products can be purchased on the market today.

1. Soy flour. It would seem that there is nothing surprising here. However, it is a strong competitor to wheat, as it contains many minerals and proteins. However, it does not contain proteins, so products made from it are considered dietary. Soy meat is prepared from it, which is produced in dry form. The protein content in it is high - about 54%, and there is almost no cholesterol and calories.
2. Soy milk is obtained from beans. It has a pleasant taste and delicate aroma. This is a great option for someone with a protein allergy.
3. Oil. It is rich in fatty acids.
4. Tofu is a versatile product made from milk. It is perfectly absorbed.

Life-giving sprouts

Sprouted soybeans have long been used in the East. Today, in every city there are special departments where you can buy dry beans or those already bristling with tiny sprouts. This tender shoot is a real storehouse of vitamins B, C and carotene. Sprouted beans can be used to combat vitamin deficiency.

But the list of useful properties does not end there. Tiny sprouts contain amino acids, macro- and microelements. Regular consumption helps normalize metabolism. Today there is a theory that such a simple and natural remedy protects the body from most of the most severe and dangerous diseases. It’s not for nothing that sprouted beans have been called the “elixir of youth” since ancient times.