Soyabean

It is a annual summer leguminous plant, native to eastern Asia; economically the most important bean in the world. The soyabean is an erect, branching plant, resembling in its early growth ordinary field beans. Varieties range in height from 30 centimetres to 2 metres. The deep roots are responsible in part for the great resistance to drought offered by soyabeans.

The seeds are usually yellow green, brown or black but may be bicoloured. No truly white or red seeds are known. The commonest bicoloured patterns are green or yellow with a saddle-like patch of black or brown extending down on each side of hilum all types seed scar. The soyabean succeeds on nearly all types of soils but does best on fertile or sandy loams.

Soyabeans which are low in starch and high in fat and protein are sometimes used as a meat substitute. Most U.S. soyabeans are made into oil and meal. The oil is principally used for food and also in paint, chemical and other industries.

Apart from eating them as cooked vegetables, we can make a flour of soyabeans and use it for the relief of swollen testicles, swollen breasts and to the eyelids where there is excessive watering of the eyes.

Benefit and uses of Soyabean.

• Soyabean have beneficial effects on heart conditions.
• Soyabean products could have health benefits such as, reducing the risk of hormone-related cancers, preventing osteoporosis as well as reducing the adverse effects of the menopause.
• Soy foods increase the body's requirement for vitamin D.
• Soy contains high in fibre, high in protein, low in saturated fat, cholesterol-free, lactose-free, a good source of omega-3 fatty acids and high in phytoestrogens.
• Soy foods contain high levels of aluminum which is toxic to the nervous system and the kidneys.
• Soy protein products can be an excellent source of dietary fiber. Since dietary fiber seems to play a role in controlling blood cholesterol, and may have an effect in preventing colon cancer and improving glucose tolerance.
• Soy protection against various cancers, including those of the breast, colon, prostate and skin and Reduced risk of osteoporosis.
• Soy vegetable proteins have the advantage that they cause less loss of calcium through the kidneys.