At one time, soy was a native crop of Asia that dominated crop production in the region. Today, it is a global crop grown in different areas and countries. It is one of the crops with the highest production capacity globally due to its different benefits on the body and consumers. It also has various properties making it ideal for handling multiple health issues and increasing global consumption.
Besides the nutritional benefits, there are other reasons the world is increasing the global soy production process. Bodies such as the UN, USAID, and WFO are currently advocating for production increases for the following reasons.
1. The nutritional value
Soy is one of the wealthiest foods with various nutrients essential for various body needs. Soy is rich in fiber due to its husk and covers. When you consume soy products such as beans, you are likely to increase the fiber content in your body. Soy is rich in essential vitamins and minerals for body needs such as strong bones. The minerals in soy include iron, zinc, calcium, and manganese. It is also rich in vitamins such as Vitamin K.
The most significant nutritional benefits of soy are the proteins. It contains high protein concentrations, sometimes higher than that obtained from animal proteins. When you consume soy, you also get other nutrients such as folate, inflavones, copper, thiamine, and phosphorus, which are essential for women.
2. Role of soy to fight the global food crisis
There is an increase in the world population currently suffering from food-related crises such as a decline in the essential nutrient, oversupply of cholesterol products, and lack of balanced diets. Soy is one of the most reliable foods used to combat these conditions to promote food security, increase essential nutrients and combat global hunger. These critical roles increase global soy use to promote a long life span. You can read more U.S. Soy articles here.
The world is currently facing challenges in terms of declining sustainable foods. Most globally produced foods are either high in cholesterol or contain elements that may harm consumers. The best alternative for people is to rely on soy as an ideal replacement for all these unhealthy foods. In most places, it grows organically, such as in the Amazonas and Asian regions, where it does not need any chemicals and pesticides for maintenance.
The world is also facing a decline in protein production due to climate change affecting animal protein production, including fishing. As the world demands more proteins, bodies such as the UN consider soy one of the potentials to meet nutritional and balanced diet needs and fight global hunger. It is low on calories, making it an ideal supplement for dealing with the worldwide increase in the number of people suffering from obesity.
3. Health benefits of soy
Due to its nutritional value, soy can be essential for dealing with various health issues. First is boosting strong bones due to the concentration of minerals and vitamins suitable for stronger bones. Soy can also help boost skin care, making it smooth and attractive since it is an antioxidant agent, preventing wrinkling, acne, and accumulation of dead cells. The vitamins and minerals are essential for boosting the body’s immunity and ability to fight against illnesses.
Due to its low cholesterol concentration, it is suitable for weight loss and preventing obesity. Consuming soy can prevent heart-related conditions and hypertension. It can also be ideal for diabetes patients to help them maintain low blood pressure.
4. Increased global soy production
The global soy production capacity is currently on the rise due to factors such as minimal growth requirements. Growing soy is not as complex as other legumes; it needs sustainable water and minerals. Being a protein, it increases the nitrogen supply on its own hence the soil remains fertile to support growth. No need for farmers to buy special fertilizers such as nitrogen-based fertilizers.
Production is also increasing due to the increased mechanization, which makes planting, harvesting, and processing easy. With the increased production, the supply is high, and the cost is lower, increasing consumption amongst the global population.
5. Versatile soy products
There are various soy products currently produced in various countries. In the Asian region, they produce high-quality soy sauce exported to the global market for multiple benefits. The products are diverse, and one can use them in various ways. You can eat boiled soybean products to gain nutritional benefits if you do not love soy sauce.
Alternatively, you can consider soy milk, the leading plant-based milk to replace dairy products; soy milk will be a better replacement if you are lactose intolerant. It has high protein content and the same benefits as dairy products. You can also consider fresh soy tofu.
The other option is soy oil which can replace the high-cholesterol oils that are not good for the heart. You can use it to replace animal or plant-based fats since they are sustainably produced and have no chemical effects. Other soy products include whipped soy topping, nut butter, ice cream, and grit.
6. Alternative soy uses
Soybean has various uses making them one of the top plant proteins in high demand. Besides the nutritional benefits and impact on feeding the global population, soy can be used for different purposes. The first is the manufacture of animal feeds. The plants can be processed as part of animal proteins which is good for dairy and beef farmers to increase production volumes.
Soy is also changing global sustainability in terms of fuel consumption. Soy is one of the leading products in the manufacture of biofuels which are economical and have the lowest emission. With global warming concerns increasing about the use of fossil fuels, soy is becoming a potential replacement for fossil fuels. Counties such as the United States are currently producing it in higher capacity for electricity generation and powering different plants. In the future, it will be one of the most reliable renewable energy sources.
Conclusion
Soy is one of the essential plants and foods globally due to its nutrition, health benefits, and contribution to fighting global hunger. As the production increases, it will be the most abundant food due to different soy products and new uses such as the manufacturing of biofuels and use as animal feed.
