Soy: Plant with Benefits Raises Health Concerns Soy is becoming an increasingly popular food product in the United States. This plant constitutes one of the most economical products in the food industry for food production processes. Soybeans are derived from the soybean, a legume plant widely grown for its edible seeds. Soy is native to China, where the plant was widely famous for use in a variety of foods, especially as a substitute for animal protein. In the late 1700s soybeans were imported into the United States. At the time, the main purpose of soybeans was to provide a cheaper way to feed farm animals. As time passed, Americans began using soybeans for their nutritional benefits. Although many studies demonstrate the beneficial health benefits of this plant, concerns remain regarding the safety of consuming soy. Soy consumption is a controversial topic, mainly due to the way it is processed. In 1995, farmers began using genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to grow soybeans in larger quantities. GMOs allow farmers to increase plant production to meet the demands of a growing population and food production. Compared to 1995, nearly 90% of soybean plants today are grown using GMO seeds. Not only are soy products harmful for consumption, but any GMO-based product poses health risks to consumers. GMOs are linked to causing cancer, digestive problems and other health problems. Unfortunately, GMOs are the cheapest way to produce this food in large quantities to meet market demand. Considering that 90% of soy is grown using GMOs, public concern about the harmful effects of soy on the body is an understandable topic. Before focusing on the negative aspects of soy, this plant still boasts numerous... half of paper .. ....discussions about soy are still a popular topic of debate. Obtaining information through research and numerous opinions, the decision is up to the individual. There are thousands of foods available in the market that show their positive and negative health aspects. As someone who is sensitive to gluten and dairy, I continue to consume soy products in moderation, as I prefer other alternatives. I don't prefer other products other than soy just because of the controversies that are still present at the moment. I consume other products besides soy due to other health benefits and I prefer better taste. The choice whether to consume soy or not is an individualized decision. Hopefully, some of this controversy can be resolved if agricultural companies and food manufacturers end the use of GMOs to alleviate the unfavorable reputation that soy has...