soy

Soy: The Plant with Benefits Raises Health Concerns

Soy is becoming an increasingly popular food commodity in the United States. This plant serves as one of the food industry’s top cheapest products for food manufacturing processes. Soy derives from the soybean, a leguminous plant widely cultivated for its edible seeds. The soybean originated in China, where the plant was widely famed for being used in a variety of foods, especially when acting as an animal protein replacement. During the late 1700s, the soybeans were imported into the United States. At the time, soy’s main purpose was to serve as a cheaper way to feed farm animals. As time progressed, Americans began using soy for their own nutritional benefits. Although many studies prove positive health benefits from this plant, there are lingering concerns pertaining to the safety of soy consumption.

Soy consumption is a controversial topic, mainly due to the way soy is processed. In 1995, farmers started using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to grow soy in larger quantities. GMOs allow farmers to increase the plant’s output to meet the demand for a growing population and for food manufacturing. Compared to 1995, almost 90% of soy plants today are grown using GMO seeds. Not only are soy products harmful for consumption, any GMO based product poses health risks to consumers. GMOs are linked to cause cancer, digestion problems, and other health concerns. Unfortunately, GMOs are the cheapest method to produce this food in bulk to meet the demand of the market. Considering 90% of soy is grown by GMOs, the public’s concern of soy’s harmful effects on the body is an understandable argument.

Before focusing on the negative aspects of soy, this plant still boasts numerous...

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...ersies about soy are still a popular topic of debate. Gaining information through research and numerous views, he decision is up to the individual. There are thousands of foods available on the market that exhibits their positive and negative aspects on health. From a person coming from a standpoint of having gluten and dairy sensitivities, I still continue to consume soy products in moderation, since I prefer other alternatives. I do not prefer other products other than soy solely because of the controversies that are currently still present. I consume other products than soy due to other health benefits and preference to a better taste. The choice of whether to consume soy or not is an individualized decision. Hopefully, part of this controversy can be settled if farms and food manufacturers put an end to using GMOs to ease the unfavorable reputation soy presents.