Soybeans

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Soy is an intensively grown crop mainly for its edible seed popularly known as soybean or soya bean. The bean is a vital source of several ingredients that are used in the production of several products and it is also a major source of vegetable protein in the daily diet of millions of people and cattle worldwide.

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Most people are oblivious to how much soy we consume as it tends to form part of our diet indirectly. For example, several of the foods we eat such as meat, eggs, milk and other dairy products come from animals that are fed large quantities of soybeans.

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Almost 75% - 80% of the world’s soybean production is used to feed cattle and chicken that are bred for dairy and meat products. The rest is used for the production of soy oil, soy sauce, soy milk, tofu. Soy oil is used for cooking and in the production of other food products such as margarine, chocolate, ice cream or baked goods, as well as in cosmetics and soaps.

 

Due to the gradual increase in demand for soy beans worldwide, soy production has more than doubled over the last two decades with Brazil being the biggest producer and exporter, overtaking the US in 2022-23. China is by far the biggest consumer and importer of soybeans in the world.

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Soybean is one of the richest and most affordable sources of protein. Soybeans produced in Brazil tend to contain a higher content of protein compared to those produced in other parts of the world. The production and export of GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms) Soybeans have gradually increased over the recent past and now far exceed that of Non-GMO Soybeans.

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Soybean has been associated with several health benefits as it contains antioxidants and phytonutrients. However, some concerns have also been highlighted about some harmful effects of soybean.