Edamame makes a delicious, nutritious snack.
Soya beans are the base for many popular food items, from tofu, soy milk and cheese to breads, cereals and beverages that contain soy protein powder or other derivatives. When grown under certain conditions, the soya bean crop may become vulnerable to molds or other diseases which can have dangerous effects on a consumer's health. A variety of methods screen for affected crops before they make it to the market.
Soya beans
Soya beans, or soybeans, are a type of legume native to East Asia. For over 5,000 years, soybeans have served as an important source of protein for Asian populations. They first arrived in the Western world in the 20th century. Soybeans can grow in a wide variety of climates and soil types. As the beans mature in their pod, they turn dry and hard. Soybeans are the only vegetable that serve as a complete protein, and they also make a good source of fiber. Soybeans that get harvested before turning hard and dry are known as edamame, which is prepared by boiling the pods briefly in salted water, then serving as a snack food.
Soy Heath Benefits
Soybeans and their derivatives produce many food items, such as soy milk and soy cheese, to replace food items for people who have an allergy to cow's milk products. Soy also has some health benefits. In April 2010, the Food and Drug Administration published a revised report supporting a claim that soy protein can lower cholesterol, along with a healthy diet. The FDA's recommendation indicates that 25 g of soy protein per day may help lower LDL cholesterol levels.
Aflatoxins
Aflatoxin belongs to a group of mycotoxins, which are toxic compounds produced by mold. The development of aflatoxins depends upon the growth of a certain type of mold called Aspergillus. High temperatures along with high humidity set favorable conditions for this type of mold growth in crops, which makes it more common in southeastern areas of the United States.
In addition to soybeans, aflatoxins can appear in the milk, eggs or meat of animals that have eaten feed contaminated with the compound. Aflatoxin contamination carries dangerous consequences since studies have shown that it acts as a potent carcinogen, and reportedly causes cancer of the liver along with exacerbating conditions such as hepatitis.
Detection and Avoidance
The U.S. highly regulates levels of aflatoxin in soybeans and other food items. Several testing methods exist and scientists continue to work on developing even better methods to kill mold on crops and detect aflatoxins. The aflatoxin compound glows under a black light, which is the most common first level of screening for the compound. Secondary tests involve thin layer chromatography, and enzyme tests that cause a color change on contaminated surfaces.
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