The soybean is a species
of legume native to East Asia, widely grown for its
edible bean, which has numerous uses. Fat-free (defatted)
soybean meal is a significant and cheap source of protein for
animal feeds and many packaged meals. For example, soybean
products, such as textured vegetable protein (TVP), are
ingredients in many meat and dairy substitutes. The
beans contain significant amounts of physic acid, dietary
minerals and B vitamins. Soy vegetable oil, used in
food and industrial applications, is another product of processing
the soybean crop.
