I am surprised that Soy/ Soya is so maligned nowadays due to GM. I had a menopause drug and trouble free by taking Soya supplements and eating soya products.
The current debate centers around GMO products. It is safe as long as you buy organic soya and products from a reputable source.
It really angers me that my country of birth, Argentina, well known for its beautiful beef from the pampas, is now growing soya instead to be used as feed to cows in other countries! Cows should be fed grass!
Soya has been part of the Far Eastern cookery forever, especially China and Japan. The major health benefits are due to being high in protein and isoflavonoids. Soya has many by-products therefore its popularity increases.
By-products of Soya
- Miso – fermented soya bean paste.
- Tofu – fermented curd of soya.
- Soyu – soya sauce (it contains wheat).
- Tamari – this is the Japanese soya sauce and it is wheat free (check the label).
- Tempeh – fermented soybean cake.
In the picture below you can see soya beans, tofu, and miso soup.
Benefits of Soya products
- Soya beans have low content of saturated fats. It provides protein without the fat.
- It helps in reducing hormone-related cancers: breast and colon.
- Capability of preventing osteoporosis.
- Helps with the symptoms of menopause. (I can vouch for this).
- The Soya bean flakes are very popular in cattle feed in western countries. (Unfortunately GM)
- Soya has become popular mainly because of the benefits it provides similar to fish, eggs, meat and milk.
- Soya protein and isoflavonoids lowers LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), Decreases blood clotting. This assists in reducing changes of heart attack and stroke.
- Soya protein and isoflavonoids also provides antioxidants which improves your blood pressure.
- Protein in soya also increases your body’s ability to retain and absorb calcium in the bones.
- It is very useful for people with diabetic conditions and kidney problems.
- Soya beans are a great source of iron, vitamin B12 and protein.
- Soya is a cool food and it is very useful for treating problems like hot flushes and vaginal dryness.
- Reduces your chances of osteoporosis.
- It is a good source of vitamin E and lecithin.
- It is also rich in magnesium which is very useful for bones, heart and arteries.
Soy / Soya allergies
Ninety per cent of all food allergies are caused by eight foods, one of them, unfortunately is soy. Like any other allergy the immune system, will consider soya a threat and will activate is system to fight it. The body might react wildly or mildly, depending on the severity of the allergy.
So if you have a soya allergy you should check food labels, unless you eat only natural foods, especially you should check foods from the fast food chains and meats such as hamburgers. Canned products can also contain soya. So I am afraid, you have to read labels. Asian cuisine restaurants will normally have soya in their products.
Soya allergies are one the less severe for body reaction and you might have the allergy and you don’t know as, perhaps, you have been consuming small amounts that have not triggered your allergy.
People who have digestive problems (loose stools, irritable bowel or bloating) thyroid disorders, signs of dampness (mucus, tumors, cysts, parasites or yeast sensitivity) should avoid Soy products.
A Sweet Recipe Made out of Soya Milk
Dofu hua
My Malaysian friend told me this is the not real thing but tastes very much like it. I don’t know about it as I’ve never tried the real thing. I love this with Maple Syrup when I am not dieting ;). It is similar to Italian Panacota. Ideal for anyone with lactose allergy or intolerance.
Ingredients
- 3 cups Organic unsweetened soy milk.
- 1/3 cup of sugar.
- 1 envelope of unflavoured gelatine. (7 gs/2 teaspoons)
Preparation
- Measure one cup of the soy milk, set aside and sprinkle on the gelatin.
- In a saucepan, warm the soy milk and sugar until sugar is dissolved (medium heat).
- Turn off the heat and stir the remaining milk with the gelatin.
- Pour the warm soy milk into a bowl or small bowls and leave to cool in room temperature and then refrigerate covered for a few hours.
This sweet must always be served cold. In Southern Malaysia is served with ginger syrup and in the North with brown sugar syrup.
Warning
- The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article.
- Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it.
- The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.
Further reading on this topic: A vegetarian organization in the UK
Liliana
Latest posts by Liliana (see all)
- HCG Weight Loss – Day 4 – Round 3 - December 23, 2024
- HCG Weight Loss – Day 3 – Round 3 - December 23, 2024
- HCG Weight Loss – Day 2 – Round 3 - December 23, 2024
Leave a Reply