Soy is a refined product that originates from the soybean plant. Soybeans are part of the legume family, which includes other common foods like peas, dried beans and lentils. Soy is the refined, highly nutritional derivative of the soybean.
A soybean is scientifically known as Glycine max. Soybeans are classified as an oil seed, which is a bit different than other legumes which are often known as pulses. Soybeans have become commonplace in many meal plans with the rising popularity of soy-based foods like tofu.
Why Is Soy So Popular?
Soy is popular for a number of reasons. The high protein levels found in soy make it an ideal food for vegetarian who have a hard time getting protein. There’s a wide range of soy products that can be made from the soybean, which has allowed soy-based foods to expand to a huge market.
The protein content of soybeans is one of the main reasons soybeans are widely cultivated – they contain more protein per acre of land compared to any other crop. Soy is a green, low-lying plant that can grow up to 2 meters high. Soy protein has become universally reputed for its quality, containing all the essential amino acids that build up a complete protein, making this small bean globally significant.
