The Hidden Dangers of Soybean Consumption in India

The Rise of Soybean in India

Several decades ago, soybean was virtually unknown in India. So, how did it become a staple? To understand this, we need to look back at a significant agreement made by Manmohan Singh.

In the early 1990s, during a period of globalization, India entered into various surprising agreements. One such agreement involved importing one million tons of pig manure from Holland. When questioned about this decision, Singh claimed that the quality of the manure was exceptional because the pigs were fed soybean.

In Holland, pigs are raised primarily for meat, and the more soybean they consume, the fatter they become, leading to higher meat production. When asked where Holland sourced its soybean, it was revealed that much of it came from India, particularly from Madhya Pradesh.

Experts warn that cultivating soybean in the same field for ten consecutive years can render the soil barren. However, Singh's initiative led to increased soybean farming in Madhya Pradesh, enticing farmers with promises of higher prices for their crops. Some doctors even endorsed soybean as a health food, further promoting its cultivation.

Thus, soybean began its journey from India to Holland, where it was used to fatten pigs, and in return, the manure was brought back to India. This agreement, made by someone hailed as one of the best finance ministers, raises questions about the wisdom behind such decisions.

Soybean is harmful to our health. Whether consumed as a dal or oil, it is not digestible by the human body. Rajiv Gandhi pointed out that the enzymes required to digest soybean are absent in humans, existing only in pigs. While soybean is often touted for its protein content, our bodies lack the necessary enzymes to process it effectively.

Despite its low cost, it is advisable to avoid soybean oil, soybean dal, or any soybean products. Instead, opt for healthier oils like peanut, sesame, sunflower, or mustard oil, regardless of their price. Refined oils, often marketed under various names, pose health risks and should be avoided.

The protein found in soybean is unique and can accumulate in the body, leading to potential health issues. There are plenty of alternative protein sources available, such as urad dal, peanuts, and black chickpeas. Lastly, if you have elderly relatives, ask them if they ever consumed soybean during their childhood; their responses may surprise you.