Soy protein has gained much attention among health enthusiasts in recent years. This product plays an important role in health and disease prevention and makes a great addition to a healthy diet.
According to a recent study, individuals who lead a health-conscious lifestyle (who didn’t consume meat, but, ate fish or were vegetarians/vegans) were more inclined to use soy products than the average person. Overall, there is a high demand for soy protein and products made from it as people look to eat a healthier diet.
What Is Soy Protein?
Soy protein comes from soybeans. Soybeans are dehulled and defatted to make three different kinds of products:
• Soy Flour
• Soy Concentrates
• Soy Isolates
Soy protein is very nutritious, and it has very little fat, no cholesterol, and it is high in fibre and protein. It has been used since 1959 to create various food products as substitutes for high fat dishes, including:
• Soy bacon
• Soy cheese
• Various meat alternatives, such as, soy burgers and hot dogs
• Soy ice cream
Health Benefits of Soy Protein
• Soy protein is a good source of heart-friendly Omega-3 fatty acids, therefore, incorporating soy protein into your diet can help prevent heart disease.
• Soy protein is a great substitute for traditional protein sources, such as, meat as it contains much less fat, but, still provides useful amino acids just like meat. Amino acids play an important role in maintaining muscles and reducing fat in the body, and also aid in the formation of insulin. So, if you want a healthy source of amino acids, it is best to choose soy protein foods instead of meat, which, is loaded with fat.
• Soy protein is full of fibre that helps with digestive health, weight control, preventing high cholesterol, and regulating blood sugars
• Soy protein is naturally cholesterol free. Eating soy products can help you lower LDL or ‘bad’ cholesterol by about 3%. Not a huge reduction, but, every little bit helps in the battle against cholesterol. Doctors suggest that even a 1% drop in cholesterol, reduces chances of heart disease by 2%, and soy protein can help.
Also, soy can help fill the gap for those that must limit their animal protein intake and cannot enjoy foods like burgers and hot dogs.
Best Food Sources For Soy Protein
A healthy diet promotes good health and prevents disease. A diet that is low in fat and high in healthy protein can ensure overall fitness and a long healthy life.
To reap the benefits of soy protein, include these foods in your daily diet, eat less animal protein and substitute some of your favourite foods with soy products.
Edamame
Edamame is served at Japanese sushi restaurants as appetizers and looks like peas in pods, though they are typically larger. They are rich in protein, fibre and have no cholesterol.
Usually they are served in the shell and inside is a sweet tasting bean, which, is the edible portion. They can be used in recipes, as a vegetable side dish, or simply enjoyed as a delicious and nutritious snack. They are usually prepared by being boiled in slightly salted water for 15 to 20 minutes.
Whole Soybeans
Soybeans come in pods, and are similar to other legumes. They are an excellent source of fibre and protein. Most of the time they are yellow, but, they can also be brown or black.
They can be used in all types of recipes, including, soup, stew and chilli. Also, whole soybeans can be soaked and roasted to make a wonderful healthy snack. There are also organic soybeans that are grown without any pesticides.
Tofu
One of the most popular soy protein foods is Tofu, also referred to as, soybean curd. It is full of high quality protein, B vitamins and has very little sodium. It is a soft and smooth soy product that is made by curdling fresh, hot soy milk with a coagulant.
It has a very mild flavour and is excellent at absorbing any type of marinades, and flavours, such as, spices. Many use Tofu in recipes to substitute meat.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is prepared by soaking and grinding soybeans. The plain and unfortified variety of soy milk is rich in high quality protein and B vitamins, but, it does not have calcium or vitamin D like the milk obtained from cows. But, you can buy soy milk that is fortified with those nutrients.
Supermarkets stock soy milk in non-refrigerated containers, and sometimes it can be found in the dairy case, it can also be purchased in powder form to mix with water. Soy milk contains no lactose, so it is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant.
Soy Nuts
Roasted soy nuts make terrific snacks and come in many flavours, they are rich in protein and isoflavones.
Meat Alternatives
There are many meat alternatives that are made with soy protein or tofu. They are made as healthier versions of high in fat foods like, burgers, sausage, bacon and hot dogs.
While their counterparts are loaded with fat and cholesterol, the soy versions are not, and also are rich sources of iron, B vitamins and protein.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a soybean product where whole soybeans are blended with other quality grains, like, millet or rice and are then fermented and pressed into bar form. It has a nutty flavour and can be sliced, flavoured with various marinades and cooked on the grill or added to recipes to make healthy and delicious meals, such as, soups and chilli.
Textured Soy Protein
Textured soy protein (TSP) is a wonderful source of quality protein (70%) and fibre. It is made from textured soy flour, spun soy fibre and soy protein concentrates. It is sold dried in two forms, chuck or granulated. Typically, it is used as a meat extender, such as, for healthier meatloaf and burgers.
Foods To Swap With Soy Options
• Chicken with firm tofu
• Minced beef with soy protein
• Regular hot dogs with soy dogs
• Cow’s milk with soy milk
• Regular cheese that is high in fat and cholesterol with soy cheese
• Butter with soy nut butter
• Beef chilli with tofu chilli or soybean chilli
• Roasted soy nuts for chips
• And many more
Allergies And Digestion
Some people may have digestion problems with soy products, while others can be allergic to it. Start slow to be sure that you can take it without issues. And, remember that soy products should be just one part of a well-balanced diet that includes, fruits, vegetables, nuts, whole-grains, dairy, seeds and beans.
