Until recently, life without meat was widely regarded as a quirk. Today it is gaining a wide range of supporters, which is still growing. Soy is the greatest substitute for meat products. Vegetarians know this perfectly well, so they have gone crazy with soy.
Soy fashion
It has become apparent that consumers appreciate not only the taste qualities of soy dishes but also their active ingredients, rich in compounds. About 500 new recipes for soy dishes are created every year. In shops offering healthy food, not only soy chops are now available, but also soy milk, tofu, soy sauce, candy bars, soy pudding. There has been a meatless era, a real crowd of soy products on the market. Should it be that way?
Why soy?
Vegetarians include soy in their diet mainly because of the large amounts of protein, often exceeding the properties of meat protein. Unlike meat protein, soy protein does not contain purine, which contributes to the development of osteoporosis. In addition to protein, meat provides fats. This type of mixture is a serious step towards the spread of pathogens, especially in the bloodstream.
Soy milk, unlike cow's milk, contains a huge amount of proteins and B vitamins, but much less calcium and vitamin D. In addition, soy is enriched with EFAs (essential, unsaturated fatty acids) eliminating the risk of atherosclerosis and lowering blood cholesterol levels.
The mineral compounds offered by soy products - potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus and calcium - support the body and prevent many diseases.
A diet rich in this plant provides the body with antioxidants. Antioxidants cleanse the body of the remaining toxins (they sweep free radicals) and significantly reduce the possibility of cancer cell proliferation. Soy is also recommended for women during the menopause to alleviate the troublesome symptoms of menopause.
To this end, it is recommended that women in their thirties eat soy food. Then there is a high probability of experiencing menopause without any unpleasant ailments.
Soy - the enemy of the thyroid
Soy contains compounds that have a negative impact on thyroid function. The thyroid gland is known to be an organ releasing hormones important for metabolism. Too much soy, especially uncooked one, favours the development of goitres and interferes with its natural function. Numerous cases of allergies, caused by an intolerance to soy protein, have also been reported.
Fermented soy products
Miso
Fermented soybean paste, which dates back to around 500 BC. It enjoys a high content of protein sufficient for the organism despite the lack of eating meat, numerous mineral compounds, enzymes and bacteria beneficial for the digestive tract. It is especially recommended for breakfast, as it provides a lot of energy. The most popular is soy-miso used as an addition to sauces and soups, miso with a mild taste of barley and sweet rice miso.
Tofu
The consistency resembles quark, but it does not contain cholesterol, which is particularly important in the diet of people with cardiovascular diseases. It is formed from crushed and boiled soy. It is characterized by low calorific value. It is therefore recommended for people who want to lose weight.
Tempeh
extracted from slightly boiled soy beans. It occupies a leading position among food products when it comes to the content of vitamin B12, isoflavones, protein and minerals. It can be steamed or baked.
Natto
It has not been widely consumed by the Japanese for thousands of years. It is described as a nutritional miracle. It contains a specific enzyme that ensures normal blood density. Moreover, it lowers cholesterol levels and makes blood vessels more flexible. Additionally, vitamin K, which is part of natto, prevents osteoporosis and improves blood clotting processes.
Soy sauces
is produced from fermented soybean seeds. There is no Asian cuisine without the addition of soy sauces because they increase the taste and nutritional value of numerous dishes.
Fermented or unfermented?
Fermented products change significantly the value of organic food. They contain much easier assimilable protein and a huge amount of easily absorbed vitamin B12 and plant phytoestrogens called isoflavones.
Fermented soybean
- removes mucus deposits in the intestines
- improves the rate of metabolic processes
- used additionally in the prevention of heart disease
- removes mucus deposits in the intestines
- improves metabolic processes
- used additionally in the prevention of heart disease
- the high content of isoflavones (plant equivalents of female sex hormones - estrogens) prolongs youth and enhances femininity.
Summary
It has not been clearly established that fermented soy products are healthier than unfermented ones. Soy is a legume rich in biologically active compounds in any form, regardless of how the food is obtained and prepared.
For vegetarians, it is an excellent alternative to nutrients without having to eat meat. Carnivores should also be tempted to at least occasionally eat soy treats to keep their bodies in perfect condition. We particularly recommend soy to women of all ages, because soy is a hormonal, female treasure - the secret of youth and beauty.
