The Secrets of Soy S oy foods are no longer limited to vegetarians and health food consumers. Soy is gaining popularity as an alternative to meat with important health benefits. The trend in eating habits is including more plant foods into the diet. Vegetable burgers are now more common on restaurant menus. Twenty-six million soy food consumers have been reported in this country.
Soy products come from the soybean, a legume native to China.
Soybeans have been an important protein source in Asia for 5,000 years. Soy protein is a complete protein, nutritionally comparable to animal protein without the saturated fat and cholesterol. Common sources of soy include soy flour, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, miso, soybeans and soy burgers. The popularity of soy is linked to its health benefits. Soy may provide protection against heart disease by reducing cholesterol levels.