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Soy biodiesel

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Soy biodiesel What is soy biodiesel? Biodiesel consists of mono alkyl esters produced from vegetable oils,animal or old cooking fats. Soy biodiesel is fuel alternative produced from soybean oil. Biodiesel contains no petroleum diesel, but it can be blended with petroleum diesel. Since the oil embargo of 1973 by the OPEC a lot of research was done on biodiesel in various universities and government agencies in the USA. Soy biodiesel can be used in diesel engines with little or no modifications. Soy biodiesel is made through a chemical process called transesterification whereby the glycerin is separated from the soybean oil. The process gives two products: methyl esters (the chemical name for biodiesel) and glycerin (used to make soap). Biodiesel is mainly produced and used in the USA. In 1999 about 0.5 million gallons was produced and this value increased to about 25 million gallons in 2003. Advantages of soy biodiesel As compared to normal diesel, soy biodiesel has following advantages

soy candles

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What are soy candles? Soy candles are made from soy wax, which is hydrogenated soybean oil. Soy wax was invented in 1992 by Michael Richards who was looking for a cheaper alternative to beeswax. As he entered the candle industry he realized there was a growing demand for natural wax candles. Soy wax is often mixed with fragrances to produces scented soy candles. They are available in supermarkets and specialized stores and can also be bought online. It is also easy and very rewarding making soy candles at home. Advantages of soy candles Soy candles have to following advantages compared to paraffin wax candles: Soy candles are cheap - Beeswax is a great natural alternative to paraffin, but to get the same results as a soy-based candle, it is very expensive. Soy wax is a new alternative to paraffin wax that is cost effective. Soy wax is also made from a renewable source. Soy wax is all-natural - Soy wax is a favorite of environmentally conscious people because it is not made from petrole

Soy health value

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Benefits of soy There is no denying that soy has many health benefits. These health benefits are mainly coming form the quality of the soy proteins and form the isoflavones genistein and daidzein. Below you can find the main health benefits of soy. Soy improves bone health Soy products, such as soy milk, do not contain a lot of calcium but the soy isoflavones may help to reduce the osteoporosis risk. Several studies have suggested that soy isoflavones may be a factor in helping to prevent bone loss. The isoflavone genistein seems to inhibit bone breakdown and may have similar effects than estrogens in maintaining bone tissue. Soy can also indirectly improve bone health. Diets which are high in animal protein cause more calcium to be excreted in the urine. Replacing animal protein with soy protein may help to prevent calcium loss from the bones. Soy relieves menopausal symptoms Epidemiological data show that Asian women suffer less from hot flashes and night sweats compared to Western w

Nutritional values of soy milk

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What is soy milk? Soy milk is made by soaking soybeans, grinding them with water. The fluid which results after straining is called soy milk. You can make soy milk at home with basic kitchen tools or with a soy milk machine. Soy milk is most commonly found in aseptic cartons. Most of the soy milk available in the market is flavoured and fortified with extra calcium or vitamins. The most popular flavours are vanilla and chocolate. Some producers add thickeners to their soy milk to give it a mouth feel of cow's milk. Traditionally, soy milk has a beany taste which is well accepted by the Chinese, but less by the Western palate. By using correct processing techniques, this beany taste can be reduced or eliminated. Recently, with the recognition of its health benefits and with its improved flavor and texture, soy milk has now a high and rising acceptance. Sometimes, use is made of protein isolates from soy bean which are mixed with water, oils, sugars, stabilisers to give it a milky ap

How to Grow Soybeans

Growing soybeans has become increasingly popular with home gardeners. These warm weather plants are native to Africa, Asia, and Australia. They have gained popularity here due to their health benefits. They are high in fiber and protein, and area good source of calcium. They taste good ,too. Home gardeners find it is easy to grow soybeans. They are grown just like any other bush bean, and produce high yields. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Days to Maturity: Plants require about 85 days to harvest. Try succession planting for continuous harvest over several weeks. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sowing Soybean Seeds: Plant outdoors after the last frost date for your area. Soil should be warm before planting. Sow Soybean seeds 2 inches apart, in rows 20" to 24" apart. If your garden space is limited, plant in double rows. Water well after planting, and a second time two to four d