Project Abstract

Abstract
Soya bean is a widely cultivated legume that serves as a crucial source of protein and oil in many parts of the world. In this research project, we aimed to analyze the physical and chemical properties of soya bean to provide valuable insights into its nutritional composition and potential industrial applications. The physical properties of soya bean, including size, shape, and color, were measured using standardized methods. The average size of the soya beans was found to be within the range of 5-10 mm, with a predominantly oval shape and a yellowish hue. These physical characteristics are important for quality control and grading purposes in the agricultural and food processing industries. Chemical analysis of soya bean involved determining its proximate composition, including moisture content, protein, fat, fiber, and ash content. The results revealed that soya bean is rich in protein, with an average content of 36-40%, making it a valuable source of plant-based protein for human consumption. The fat content of soya bean was found to be around 16-20%, primarily consisting of unsaturated fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Further chemical analysis involved determining the mineral composition of soya bean, including calcium, iron, zinc, and magnesium. Soya bean was found to be a good source of minerals, particularly iron and calcium, which are essential for various physiological functions in the human body. These mineral contents make soya bean a valuable dietary component for individuals with specific nutrient requirements. In addition to its nutritional composition, the chemical properties of soya bean were also analyzed in terms of its antioxidant capacity and phytochemical content. Soya bean was found to possess significant antioxidant activity, attributed to its high levels of phytochemicals such as isoflavones and saponins. These bioactive compounds have been associated with various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Overall, the analysis of physical and chemical properties of soya bean provided comprehensive insights into its nutritional value and potential health benefits. The findings of this research project contribute to the existing knowledge on soya bean as a versatile agricultural crop with diverse applications in food, feed, and industrial sectors.

Project Overview

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Soy processing industries select raw material based on weight, moisture, impurities and grain damage. Differences in chemical and physical properties of soybean cultivars are not taken into consideration in soyfood processing. Information on these characteristics could help food industries obtain products with better functional, nutritional and sensory qualities with greater cost‑benefits (Sbardelotto & Leandro, 2008).

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) is a particularly good source of protein (35–42%) and fat (16–27%). This makes the soybean one of the most valuable and most commonly cultivated crops (Kumar et al., 2006). The soybean shares the flaw of many plants from theFabaceae family, namely it is prone to mechanical damage occurring during threshing,cleaning, drying, transportation, storage and processing. Knowledge of the physical properties of soybean seeds is therefore particularly important for the optimization of harvesting, drying storing and processes (RybiÅ„ski et al., 2009). Unlike cereal grains, soybean seeds have two cotyledons between which a gap may be formed if the water content is low. This leads to an increased susceptibility ofthe seeds to damage like, for example, breaking in half

(Shahbazi et al., 201).

According to their different uses, soybean cultivars are classified as grain‑type, which are conventionalsoybeans for oil and animal feeding, and food-type,which are those for human consumption in fermented

foods and non-fermented foods (tofu, soy flour and soy milk) (Liu, 1999). Therefore, soybean cultivars for human consumption should present special chemical and physical characteristics.

In view of the above this project intends to carryout an analysis of physical and chemical properties of soya bean.

1.2 Objectives of the Study

The main objective of this work was to analyze the physical and chemical properties of soybean.

Other objectives are;

1. To carryout analysis of the physical properties of soya bean

2. To determine the chemical properties of soya bean

3. To evaluate the physical and chemical properties of soybean cultivars for food processing

1.3 Justification of the Study

Soybean is an important source of high-quality protein. Soybean cultivars with high protein content allow the production of foods with superior nutritional value and yield, such as soy milk and tofu. To make superior nutritional value and yield products particularly rely on the indepth knowledge of the physical and chemical properties. Therefore, this work will reveal the physical and chemical properties of soybean which will aid anyone with the knowledge of soybean and its physical and chemical properties.