How Many Different Ways Can You Use Soy?
Soybeans are delicious, nutritious, and versatile. Soy products can be added to everything from smoothies to curries and it is for this reason, alongside the high concentrations of protein and health fats, that soy is a preferred food source by people all over the world.
What is soy?
Soy is a protein-dense legume that is traditionally grown in southeast Asia. Soybeans tend to come in three colors, each of which is used in different ways.
Green, immature beans are also known as ‘edamame’ and can be steamed and eaten straight from the pod. Yellow soybeans are used to make popular products including soy milk, tofu, and tempeh. Black soybeans are somewhat rarer than their green and yellow counterparts and are often fermented and used in traditional Asian dishes.
Soy products — including soy milk, tofu, and edamame — are often used by vegetarians, vegans, and those who are lactose intolerant as a substitute for meat based foods.
Nutritional benefits of soy
The reason that so many people love soy — apart from the great taste — is its high nutritional content.
Soy contains all nine essential amino acids, meaning it is very high in protein. Soybeans contain little saturated fat, which is why healthcare professionals often recommend those with high cholesterol make the switch to soy milk.
Soy also contains high levels of essential nutrients including calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
From a health perspective, the best soy products for you to eat are those that have undergone minimal processing. This includes tempeh, tofu, miso, edamame, and soy milk. Steer clear of products that have had soy proteins added, like soy bars and protein powders.
Tips for introducing soy into your diet
The wide variety of soy products that are out there means that introducing soy into your diet is quite easy to do. Whether you opt to order your morning coffee with soy milk or plan to end the day with a serving of salmon miso soup, increasing your intake of soy has never been easier. Try these tips!
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Opt for a soy latte: Soy is a great substitute for dairy milk in coffee. Soy milk has a mild, creamy flavor and with a bit of skill, can be frothed to create a delicious morning latte.
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Add tofu to your curry: Tofu is a type of bean curd that is often used by vegetarians and vegans as a meat substitute. Adding tofu to your curry can add structure while also providing high nutritional benefits.
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Try a miso dish: Miso is a traditional Japanese seasoning produced from fermented soybeans. It adds a salty flavor to many dishes, including salmon miso soup and grilled miso vegetables.
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Cook up a batch of soy pancakes: Being vegan doesn’t mean that you have to go without your favorite treats, like pancakes! Simply swap out dairy milk for soy and top with your favorite flavorings. Yum!
As you can see, there are many ways that soy can be used. Try a soy product for yourself today!