When it comes to soy and soy-based products, most people think about soy milk and tofu. Soy is a common food ingredient that is gaining popularity worldwide. The increase in its popularity could be attributed to its versatility and incredible health benefits.
Besides making food-related products, people can also use soybean oil in other things, such as soy candles and soybean fertilizer. Ground soybean is also used to make fire logs, while soy lecithin is a common ingredient in chewing gums. This article explores the finest uses of soy that you should know about;
Livestock Feed
Soybean as livestock feed leads to a massive percentage of global U.S. Soy. Whole soybeans can be fed to animals as a protein-rich source of nutrition or processed into soybean meal, a high-protein feed ingredient commonly used in animal feed mixes.
Soybeans can also be processed into soybean oil, which can be used as a source of fat and energy for animals. Additionally, soybean hulls, the fibrous outer layer of the soybean, can be used as a source of fiber in animal feed. Soybeans are a highly nutritious and cost-effective feed ingredient for livestock and are commonly used in the diets of poultry, pigs, cattle, and other animals.
Candles
Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is made from hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax provides a cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative to paraffin-based wax. This is because soy wax produces fewer toxins in the environment than wax. When wax burns, it produces harmful carbon dioxide, which is a major contributor to climate change.
Soy candles are also cost-friendly as they burn slower than paraffin wax. The low melting point of soy wax makes it possible for soy candles to burn slowly. This means that they last longer than candles made from paraffin wax. Soy candles are also readily available as they can be found in supermarkets and specialised stores selling them.
Fire Logs
Fire logs are manufactured logs meant to be used as wood fuel. Soy is used to make fire logs through a process known as extrusion. Extrusion is when ground soybeans are mixed with other plant-based materials to create a dough-like mixture. This mixture is then shaped into logs and then left to dry. They can then be stored and used during winter.
Fire logs made from soy provide a renewable energy source, making it environmentally friendly. Soy logs also provide a cleaner burning option as they produce less smoke when compared to fossil fuels.
Crayons
Soy crayons are crayons made from soy wax and coloured with mineral pigments. Soy crayons are much safer than those made from petroleum-paraffin wax. This is because they are bio-degradable and made from renewable energy sources.
In addition, soy crayons glide smoother and do not flake compared to normal crayons. Flaking crayons can lead to an upset stomach when eaten by children; that is why it is essential to use crayons that don’t peel off. Soy crayons are also much brighter, making them ideal for teaching children with sensory processing disorders.
Ink
Soy ink is a plant-based ink made from soybeans. The soybean oil is refined and mixed with other components to form soy ink. Soy Ink was created during the 1970s when there was an oil shortage, but it was later used in the 1980s. The goal of using this vegetable-based dish was to address environmental issues at that time.
Many American newspapers use soy ink instead of petroleum-based ink as it is more eco-friendly. The low level of volatile organic compounds in soy ink is 0.8% as opposed to petroleum-based ink, which is at 4.6%. This means soy ink has a low impact on the earth’s atmosphere and ensures minimal air pollution.
Chewing Gum
Soy lecithin is a common ingredient in chewing gums. Companies that produce chewing gum prefer soy lecithin because it acts as a preservative, increasing shelf life. Soy lecithin also prevents chewing gum from sticking to its package.
There has been some recent concern about the use of soy lecithin, with some claiming it is harmful. However, there has been no concrete evidence that supports these claims. Soy lecithin is used in very small amounts; therefore, it is highly unlikely to cause any harm to human beings.
Soybean Fertiliser
Soybean fertiliser is a form of organic fertilizer made from soybean meal, a by-product during the production of soybean oil. Farmers can incorporate this fertilizer into the soil before planting or be used as a side dress.
Soybean fertilizer is an effective fertilizer for plants as it is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This fertilizer promotes plant growth as it is rich in micronutrients and can help improve soil structure. Soybean fertilizer is a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers and is commonly used in organic agriculture farming and gardening.
Bottom Line
Soy is a versatile ingredient; hence people can use it in many ways apart from cooking. From making soy crayons to soybean fertilizer and livestock feed, soy plays a significant role in organic products.
Most people are encouraged to use soy-related products as they are both cost-friendly and good for the environment. This helps prevent the greenhouse effect, which is the main cause of climate change.
