The seedpods are about 1 to 2 inches long and contain two to three soybeans. Soybeans have been a staple in Asian cuisines for centuries. In fact, the word soy has roots in Japanese and Chinese culture. The first documented use of soybeans was in the fifteenth century B.C. by the ancient Chinese who called them sou. Soybeans have gained popularity lately due to reports about their many possible health benefits.
Whole soybeans are high in protein, fiber, minerals and fat.
Soy protein is a complete protein, containing all the essential amino acids for adults and children over the age of four. The oil in whole soyfoods is largely unsaturated and is high in essential fatty acids. Soyfoods are on the cutting edge of research on these topics. It's true, soybeans have oils and oils have fat. But take heart, the oil in soybeans is largely unsaturated and is high in essential fatty acids.