Originated from East Asia, Soybeans or Soya beans (Glycine max) are legumes that are being grown on a large scale due to its various health benefits. Soybeans are mainly grown in the United States, Brazil, and Argentina, with the United States topping the list. Soybeans can be made into a variety of soy-based foods. Soybeans are toxic when eaten raw. So it must be cooked properly before consuming, In some parts of the world, immature soybeans called edamame are boiled or steamed and served with salt.

Soy is used to make various soy-based foods such as soy milk and tofu. It is also being used as a substitute in various meat and dairy products. In Asian countries, soy is used as the main constituent of fermented foods such as natto, soy sauce, tempeh, fermented bean paste, and miso.

In the U.S., most of the soy crop is used to extract soybean oil. Once, soybean oil is extracted, the remains called the soybean meal which is highly rich in protein can be used either to produce soy protein or can be used directly as a feed livestock.

India was introduced to India through China in the 10th century AD. The traders from Indonesia brought this crop through the Himalayan routes and also through Burma (now Myanmar). This crop has therefore been traditionally grown on a small scale in various parts of North India including, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal, East Bengal, the hills of Khasi, the northeast Indian state Manipur, and certain parts of Central India including Madhya Pradesh.

Some basic facts about Soybeans

• Botanical name: Glycine max
• Family: Soybeans belong to the legume family (Dicotyledonae class) with botanical name Leguminosae or Fabaceae  
• Common name: Soybeans, Soya   
• Parts used: The outer shell is not edible, soybeans are shelled out to take the edible beans inside
• Native region and geographical distribution: This legume originated in Southeast Asia and it was then grown in Japan, U.S., Brazil, and Argentina. The U.S. is now the largest producer of soybeans
• Interesting fact: During the Civil War, since real coffee was scarce, people used soybeans instead of coffee seeds

from myUpchar.com के स्वास्थ्य संबंधी लेख
via https://www.myupchar.com/tips/soybean-ke-fayde-aur-nuksan-in-hindi/