Soy Products

Soy is a good source of protein, especially for vegetarians, vegans, and people who want to reduce the amount of meat they consumed. 

According to the US Food and Drug Administration: "Soy protein products can be good substitutes for animal products because, unlike some other beans, soy offers a "complete" protein profile.  Soy protein products can replace animal-based foods- which also have complete proteins but tend to contain more fat, especially saturated fat- without requiring major adjustments elsewhere in the diet."
There are many uses for soybeans, and soy products are now readily available at most grocery stores. 

Oils: Soybean oils are sold as "vegetable oils" or are used in a variety of processed foods.
Meal: Soybean meal is used as livestock feed and in lower-end dog foods.
Flour: Soybean flour is ground from soybeans and used in the processing of the meat substitute, textured vegetable protein.
Infant formula: Soy-based infant formulas are used for infants who are allergic to pasteurized cow milk proteins.
Meat & dairy substitutes: Soybeans are the main ingredient in dairy substitutes: soy milk, soy ice cream, soy yogurt, soy cheese; and in meat substitutes: veggie burgers.
Other products: Soybeans are used in oils, soaps, cosmetics, plastics, inks, crayons, and clothing.

Studies have shown many health benefits to eating soy, from prevention of osteoporosis and certain cancers to general heart health.  Soy is an important ingredient that many of us consume on a regular basis without even knowing it. 


References:
http://www.soya.be/soy-health.php
http://www.soyconnection.com/