How Soybeans Are Grown and Harvested
More than 80% of the global soybean production takes place in the Midwest portion of the United States, Brazil and Argentina. Soybeans should be planted when the soil is warm and in an area that receives full sun. Soybeans require moist, nitrogen-rich soil for optimum growth. Soybean seeds are sometimes planted in a field that has been cultivated or tilled. A planter is used to drop seeds approximately 1 ½ inch deep into the rows. An alternative method of planting involves the use of a “no-till” planter. This method is faster and lessens the soil erosion. Soybeans sprout about 4 to 7 days after planting. The plants bloom in late summer. The soybeans mature around late September and are ready to harvest in October and November. Machines called combines are used to harvest soybeans. This machine cuts the plants, collects the plants and separates the soybeans from their stems. It collects the soybeans in a holding tank located at the back of the combine. When the tank is full, the combine driver empties the soybeans from the holding tank into a grain truck or a grain wagon. They are then taken to a dealer or a storage facility.
Soybeans and the Health Related Debate
There’s an abundance of information available that focuses on the soybean controversy. On one side, there’s the opinion that soybeans can be linked to increasing the risk of breast cancer. On the opposing side, there’s research that shows soybeans can reduce the risk of breast cancer. Studies have been conducted that show that soy protein can reduce the recurrence of breast cancer. Another point of debate centers around the effect soy has on thyroid health. Research supports the safety of soy products in regard to thyroid health. The one concern regarding this issue centers on people with hypothyroidism. If they begin consuming soy in their diet or increase their consumption of soy products, they may need to adjust their synthetic thyroid medication. Soy des have the potential to interfere with that medication. It’s important for anyone who adds soy to their diet to make sure that they are getting a sufficient amount of iodine. One additional concern regarding the safety of soy in the diet revolves around the phytates found in soy. These can lower the absorption of calcium, zinc, magnesium and iron. However, when eaten in moderation, soy foods should not cause a deficiency in these minerals.
Discover the Health Benefits of Soy
When you find roasted soybeans for sale, you’ve found a fantastic healthy snack food. You’ll want to regularly make purchases of bulk roasted soybeans so that you can be a recipient of the many health benefits they provide. Roasted soybeans are an excellent snack idea because their carbohydrate content makes them an energizing snack. These small beans contain an amazing amount of beneficial protein The fiber content of roasted soybeans can help manage blood sugar levels, and play a key role in helping you achieve and maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Fiber also supports your digestive system. Snacking on roasted soybeans can make you feel full for longer periods of time. This is a bonus benefit if you’re on a diet. Your body needs calcium to support bone and teeth health. You get 20% of your daily value of calcium in one cup of roasted soybeans. You also can get all of the required daily intake of potassium in that one cup serving. You need potassium to support heart health and muscle function. When you choose dry roasted soybeans for a snack, you’ll be giving your immune system a boost and your taste buds a treat.
Soybeans: An Allergenic Food
Typically, an allergic reaction to soy is uncomfortable, but not serious. Only in rare cases would an allergic reaction to soy be frightening or life-threatening in the way that an allergic reaction to peanuts would be. An allergic reaction to soy can occur within a few minutes or several hours after eating. Indications of an allergic reaction to soy are varied but may include tingling in the mouth, itchy skin and swelling of lips, face or other areas of the body. Difficulty breathing, flushing and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea are also possible adverse reactions.
If you do discover that you have a soy allergy, you will need to educate yourself on the variety of products that can include soy. It’s not just soy sauce that you’ll need to steer clear of. In addition to avoiding soy-based products, you’ll need to read labels on baked goods, canned meats, broth and soup, cereal, energy bars, vegetable oil and other products to determine if they contain soy. Check with your physician concerning what products to avoid. Quite often, soy oil and soy lecithin are safe even for someone with a soy allergy. Soy lecithin is often used in some of the most popular snack food favorites such as chocolate and peanut butter.