
soy
Soy is a versatile legume native to East Asia, known for its high-quality protein content. It’s used to produce a variety of foods such as tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and soy-based oils. Soy contains isoflavones, plant compounds that can mimic estrogen in the body, which has led to discussions about its health effects. It is also a common ingredient in vegetarian and vegan diets due to its protein richness. While soy is generally considered nutritious and beneficial, some individuals may need to limit intake due to allergies or certain health conditions.