Many of us younger generations have heard talk of this thing called Soy, but our parents and grandparents never knew about it, so why should we care? I mean, what exactly is SOY protein anyway?
Soy, my friends, actually comes from a bean native to Asia. It is now grown world wide in farms and then cultivated and processed into many different forms.
It is a super healthy way to get your daily protein intake to make yourself stronger and healthier. Why do you think people in Asian countries have the longest life spans in the world?
Some of the many forms of Soy include:
Miso
…is actually a paste-like form of cooked soybeans fermented in a wooden tub for 1-3 years! Itís kind of like wine, so it must be good right?
Soy Milk
…is a great organic dairy substitute. It's made from cooking and blending the soybeans, then skimming off the milk.
Soy Sauce
…is a super nifty seasoning that consists of soybeans, water, and salt. You can use this in almost everything you cook for added flavor and protein!
Tempeh
…is basically shelled cooked soybeans packed together and aged for a few days until it firms.
Tofu
…or bean curd can be silken or firm and takes the flavor of whatever you cook it with. It's also made from cooked pureed soybeans and is packed with protein and calcium.
All of these forms of Soy are protein packed and super healthy. In fact it is recommended by the FDA to get about 25 grams of soy protein per day! So why wouldn't you eat them?
Maybe you are like me don't know how to eat them. Not to worry young one. There are lots of simple ways to get your Soy protein: protein bars, soy milk, muffins made with soy flour, and soy nuts are all pretty straight forward snacks.
Or you can try some Miso soup at your local sushi bar this weekend. If you prefer cooking at home, why not try my favorite Soy recipe: tofu cubed and stir-fried with tons of veggies, yum yum!
Ok, now you're asking why should I eat Soy protein? How about the numerous FDA studies that prove the lowering of bad cholesterol levels from daily Soy protein intakes — hmm, that prevents like heart diseases right? Yup!
What about if you are a vegetarian? Well, vegetarians can get all the essential amino acids, another name for protein, from Soy. Plant based protein contains other micronutrients, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that you can't get in "regular" protein.
So skip the meat tonight and opt for Soy alternatives like veggie burgers instead of hamburgers, or Soy crumbles instead of ground beef. Also, Soy protein is lower in saturated fat, and for those of us on a budget, it's cheaper!
How about strong bones and muscles? Soy protein can help make enzymes that build these, as well as keep your hair and nails healthy and strong.
Finally, Soy protein can help you feel energized! Lack of this and you may feel tired and more susceptible to colds and flus! So now you can tell your parents to snack on some super Soy protein and be the coolest, healthiest people around!
What are some of your favorite sources of soy protein?
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