What are Soybeans? How is it consumed?

Soybeans: Source of Vegetable Fiber and Protein!

Soybeans, which have started to gain a stronger place in Turkish food culture compared to the past with their nutritional values, find a place in kitchens as an auxiliary ingredient in meals. With its taste similar to kidney beans, you will welcome it to the table as a nutritious option, and it has a taste that can accompany many recipes.

What are Soybeans?

• Soy, the functional food of Asian cuisine, is one of the members of the legume family with the highest nutritional value. Soybean, which grows as a 1.5-2 meter tall, broad-leaved, partially enveloping plant, has a more rounded shape and color ranging from yellow to brown compared to dry beans or kidney beans.
• Soybean, which is generally consumed directly in the kitchen with its yellowish color and granular structure, but is also the main ingredient of many by-products from flour to milk, is among the most consumed foods with a wide usage area in the world.
• The food, whose popularity has increased especially in recent years with its nutritional values ​​and versatile uses, has an important place in the cuisines of almost all cultures except Africa.
• Known for its versatile use, especially in Far Eastern food culture, and spreading around the world from Asian cuisines, the flavor makes a name for itself as a source of quality protein.
• Since soybeans have high nutritional value, they are included in many recipes.
• It doubles the flavor and satiety of the recipes it is added to.
• It has gone beyond the boundaries of Asian cuisine and has become accepted in many cuisines.

Where Do Soybeans Grow?

• Soybean, whose homeland is East Asia and known to have been first grown in China, is first grown in Asia and then in other parts of the world.
• The climate and soil selectivity of the bean, which is adapted to the harsh climate of Asia, is almost non-existent.
• Since it is compatible with different climate types, it grows in many different regions of the world and appears as a field plant in places with temperate climates.
• Since it is a plant of temperate climate, it is difficult to grow in places where the temperature is below 18 °C or above 40 °C during the growing season.
• Outside of Central Asian countries, soybean plants are produced with advanced methods in the USA and grown around Çukurova in Turkey.

How to Consume and Cook Soybeans?

• Those who have never tried soybeans, which are the vitamin source of vegetarian menus in their fresh and dried form and find a unique place in our food culture, wonder how to eat or consume soybeans.
• Soybeans, which are usually made into a distinctive dish, are boiled and served with various dishes or made as their own dish.
• Cooking soybeans is quite easy.
• Beans, which have a hard structure and are soaked in water the night before for easy cooking, are washed in plenty of water the next day and boiled.
• Soybean, which softens after boiling for approximately 20-25 minutes, is prepared according to the recipe and brought to the tables.
• Those who are on a diet can prepare soybeans in a delicious way for lunch or dinner.
• This beneficial food, which has high satiating properties, is very successful in losing weight.
• Containing dietary fibers and being low in calories, it prevents weight gain and also supports fat burning. You can enjoy soybeans at any meal you want.

Where to Sell Soybeans?

• It is not difficult to find soybeans, which are generally used in dried and fresh forms in Turkish cuisine.
• The food that we usually see packaged in the pulse sections of markets can also be obtained from delicatessens.
• It is also sold as dried soybeans in gourmet shops or can be purchased in its open form from shops selling pulses.
• Soybeans, which have a place in kitchens both in their fresh form and in their dried form, can be found in neighborhood markets and greengrocers in September and October.
• Soybean oil, which is used in alternative medicine and skin care, is easily obtained from herbalists.

What are the Benefits of Soybeans?

• Since soybeans are an important source of protein, it ensures the healthy development of cells and regulates metabolic reactions.
• Known to be good for sleep problems by regulating metabolism, soybeans contain high amounts of magnesium, improving sleep quality and enabling efficient listening.
• The nutrient that neutralizes free radicals with the antioxidants it contains slows down the onset of cancer and is a beneficial nutrient to use during the cancer treatment process.
• As a source of fiber, it accelerates digestion and is a natural remedy against conditions such as constipation. By relaxing the digestive system, it is good for irritable intestines and helps maintain body balance.
• Since soybeans are an efficient source of vitamin E, they provide solutions to problems such as muscle weakness and gait disorders.
• As a good source of fiber and protein, the food supports healthy weight gain and protects against diabetes by not containing cholesterol despite its high fat content.
• The benefits of soybeans for the skin attract the attention of women in particular. It helps solve many skin problems, from skin blemishes to wrinkles, and soybean oil helps prevent blemishes and wrinkles by being applied to the skin.

To summarize the benefits of soybeans:

• It is the enemy of diabetes. When you consume this food, diabetes stays away from you.
• It strengthens the skeletal system. It ensures that bones and muscles remain stronger and more resilient.
• It protects the intestinal flora and prevents stomach problems.
• It helps you live a cancer-free life.

Soybeans Nutritional Values

• Soybean, which is famous as the only food containing eight essential amino acids, is one of the biggest competitors of red meat with its protein value and vitamin B1.
• It is a rich source of proteins containing the amino acid lysine, which the body cannot produce on its own, and meets 25% of the daily fiber needs with the fiber content it contains in 100 grams.
• It contains folate, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc and copper minerals.
• It is consumed as one of the natural sources rich in vitamins A, K, B3, B6, B2, B1 and E.
• With its high nutritional values, it is one of the important foods used in vegan diets, especially in contrast to animal foods.
• Soy, which is a valuable protein source for those who are allergic to cow’s milk and those who do not consume red meat, does not contain cholesterol.
• During the slimming process, it is recommended to consume soybeans.
• Because it is a very good source of protein. Adding a moderate amount to vegetable meals is suitable for diet nutrition.
• Especially if you have a diet that is away from meat and meat products; Soybeans are for you!
• In addition to its benefits, one should also be careful about the harms of unfermented soy. In particular, it is among the harms of unfermented soybeans such as immune weakness, indigestion and allergies.