Soybeans are known for their incredible versatility. They are high in protein and come with several different health advantages. Some of which include:
– Improving skin and hair condition.
– Reducing the risk of heart disease.
– Supporting bone health.
– Improving blood circulation.
However, while we may know of their fantastic benefits, not many of us understand their unique uses. You might be surprised at how many there are!
Below we are going to talk about just five different ways that soybeans can be used.
Let’s get started.
Cooking Oil
One of the most common uses for soybeans is to use it in cooking. Thanks to its high smoke point, it can be used for various high-heat cooking methods such as sautéing, roasting, baking or frying.
What’s also great about refined soybean oil is that it has a neutral flavor profile and is easy to incorporate into a wide range of dishes. This means that it won’t overpower the flavors in your meals.
Animal Feed
The food that livestock eat plays a critical role in their health and well-being. Since soybeans are incredibly nutritious, they can be used in the animal feed alongside other grains.
Corn, oats, and barley are just a few examples of this. However, different mixes can include many ingredients to keep them in excellent condition.
Industrial Uses
It might sound strange at first, but soybeans can also be found in lots of items around your home. When ground down, they can be combined with other products to create eco-friendly materials, such as plywood and flooring tiles.
It can also be present in ink, crayons, furniture, and adhesives. The possibilities are endless, and you would be shocked at how many things you use have soy on the ingredients list (hair and skincare included).
Biodiesel
Another interesting and unusual use for soybeans is that they can be used to create biofuel. This is a cleaner-burning alternative to regular diesel and is renewable.
Studies have shown that biodiesel containing soybean oil can potentially reduce the effect of greenhouse gases by up to 86%. It’s a significant step towards a healthier and happier planet, even preventing waterway pollution.
Dairy Alternative
Due to its many qualities, soybean powder is considered a great dairy alternative, much like tofu. Therefore, vegetarians, vegans, and individuals with dairy allergies can consume and enjoy cheese-like products without actually eating any dairy.
Soybeans can also be served whole and seasoned with spices for a delicious treat. Edamame is an example of this and is loved around the world. You can find a great recipe to get started here.
Final Words
As you can see from reading the above, soybeans are versatile and can be considered a superfood in disguise. They probably cross our paths every day, whether we eat them directly, use their oil or apply skincare products containing them.
What do you think? Do you know of other soybean uses that you would include on this list?
