Soybeans contain compounds called phytoestrogens that are related in structure to estrogen, though the estrogenic activity of soy is quite weak according to some reports. Soy is known to affect the menstrual cycle in premenopausal women. Researchers have linked societies with high consumption of soy products to a low incidence of hot flashes during menopause.

Recently, questions have been raised about the possible health risks of soy consumption, but the overwhelming majority of studies on soy have shown positive health effects or, at worst, neutral ones. Some soy products are high in sodium and contain a higher-than-healthy level of fat, so be sure to check the labels and choose the low-fat versions. Nonetheless, these foods are much healthier than the animal-derived foods they are intended to replace. Soy is not an essential part of a vegan diet.

Lecithin is found in egg yolks, the tissues and organs of many animals, and some vegetables such as soybeans, peanuts, and corn. Lecithin is commonly used in foods that are high in fats and oils in order to make dissimilar substances, such as oil and water, blend and/or stay blended. We list it as typically vegetarian. Archer Daniels Midland Co., a major manufacturer of lecithin, extracts it from soybeans. Soy is the standard for lecithin in the food industry these days.

Secondly, as suggested by many health professionals and soyfood experts, it's not recommended to use dry beans. This is because soybeans are best processed a certain way for making milk to ensure good nutrition; it's also a good method of breaking down the Soy Trypsin Inhibitor Activity, which is done by thoroughly soaking then beans and using proven cooking methods.

There are both heat-stable (saponins, tannins, estrogens, phytate) and heat-labile (protease inhibitors) in soy. Protease inhibitors in soy are destroyed by heating but other factors also play a role, such as duration of heating, particle size and moistusre conditions. Thus, how soy products are processed will dictate how much of the protease inhibitor (also known as trypsin inhibitor) remains.

NO. Usually samples like peas should first be crushed in blender or mill because temperature of surface and inside can be very much different, plus when crushed can be heated evenly. Note that when crushing sample start measurement soon because by crushing the sample’s superficial area gets bigger and can absorb moisture in the ambient air.

You can purchase soybeans for the Soyabella through Tribest (www.tribestlife.com; 888-254-7336), or at natural foods stores around the country. Soyabella does not come with soybeans, although soymilk-making kits containing soybeans and flavorings will be available through Tribest in the spring.

Early season beans in maturity groups III an IV should be planted in April. Full season beans in maturity groups V and VI should be planted from May 1 to June 30.

No. All of the soybeans used by our company have been cultivated by traditional breeding methods and not been genetically modified using DNA technology.

No. However, soymilk extraction is better when soybeans are soaked for hydration. Traditional beany processes use soaked soybeans. Older non-beany soymilk processes grind dehulled dry soybeans without soaking in alkaline hot water to control beany flavor. The most modern method uses soaked soybeans and controls beany flavor problem by preventing oxidation. Also, modern soaking methods minimize flatulence-causing oligosaccharides.

It depends on the temperature of the soaking water and the ambient temperature. It can vary from 2 to 24 hours. Shorter the soaking time, more critical it is to use the beans quickly to prevent fermentation. Over soaked bean ferment and become sour. Soymilk yield is reduced dramatically, and in extreme cases, soymilk curdles even prior to extraction.

a rule of thumb you get 1 gallon of soymilk from 1 lb of soybeans. However, it depends on the quality of beans used and the protein percentage desired in the soymilk.

Yes! We purchase only certified organic soybeans. These beans are grown, handled and processed under strict organic standards. These quality standards contribute to both the health of our planet by reducing the use of herbicides, pesticides and genetically modified seeds in our environment and to our health by guaranteeing chemical-free, natural ingredients in our food.

the time of our application deadline there was only one conventional herbicide soybean entered in our tests. Therefore we had to cancel that test for this season. If companies submit more conventional varieties in the future, we will resume testing them.

Please provide information about the benefits and dangers of Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's).

Organic soybeans are grown without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. Non-GMO beans are grown using seeds which are not genetically modified. These can be purchased from various sources, including Ontario Soybean Growers - www.soybean.on.ca

Yes. Organic standards do not allow the use of GM seeds and therefore steps are taken to try to prevent contamination. Tests are not required, although some vigilant organic companies require them. According to the organic standards, contamination by cross-pollination is not disallowed, but some companies reject contaminated product above some small amount such as 0.1%. Corn cross-pollinates, while soy does not. Canola and cotton also cross-pollinate.

Dogs lack an essential amino acid necessary for soybean digestion. Undigested protein-based material from soybean can move into the intestines where it is fermented by bacteria, producing intestinal gas, digestive upset, possibly lack of appetite and ultimately poor health. (Source: Lisa S, Newman, "Nutrition") Meal" means that the protein has been cooked and is therefore pure dehydrated meat.

Corn growouts are usually planted from late October through mid December. Most corn nurseries are planted in late November through early December. However, we can plant all year long and can be flexible to fit your schedule. Soybeans are also flexible as to the planting date, but most beans are planted in late October through early November and then harvested and replanted again in late January to produce two generations.