Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP)
TVP is huge business in the West. It is fat free soya flour which has dried and processed into a sponge like matter which can then be flavoured to look and taste similar to meat.
TVP is known commonly under the brand name Quorn.
It is an excellent source of Vitamin B12 and fibre.
Tofu
Tofu is the soya bean curd made up from coagulated soya milk. This is then cooked, pulped and strained into shape. Tofu can be added to soups to make them tastier. Tofu is also an excellent ingredient for stir fries.
Miso
Miso is a flavour commonly used flavouring in certain vegetarian dishes. It is a fermented condiment made from rice or barley, soya bean, water and salt.
Tempeh
Tempeh is a fermented soya paste derived from cooked soya beans. This is an excellent source of Vitamin B12 which helps lower heart disease.
Soya Sauce
Soya sauce is made from fermented soya beans with cracked roasted wheat, water and salt.
Soya milk
Soya milk is derived from boiling and soaking soya bean in water and then removing their fibre. Soya milk is low fat and sugar free. Soya milk is excellent for those who are lactose intolerant and those who do not consume dairy products.
Soya Oil
Soya oil as well as soya margarine are very popular. They are low in saturated fats and high in polyunsaturated fats.
Related Health Benefits of Soya Beans and Related Soya Products
Soya beans are seeds of the soya plant, a staple part of the Chinese diet for over 4,000 years.
There is much protein in soya beans as well as isoflavones (oestrogen like substances) genistein and daidzein.
To lower risk of osteoporosis and to enhance bone health
To provide relief for menopausal symptoms
Research demonstrates that Asian women tend to get fewer hot flushes and sweat less than their Western counterparts. Menopausal symptoms are due to low oestrogen levels which control body temperature. The isoflavones in soya replicate oestrogen and therefore are able to control menopausal symptoms.
To lower the risk of heart disease
The rate of cardiovascular disease is higher in countries where soya product consumption is low. There is some evidence to suggest that soya lowers the risk of heart disease due to its ability to reduce cholesterol and thwart the buildup of plaque in the arteries. This can lead to heart attacks or strokes.
The isoflavone genistein is able to heighten blood vessel flexibility.
To reduce risk of specific cancers
Regular consumption of soya has been given as the reason for several cancers being prevented, including colon, breast and prostate.
Incredibly Nutritious
Soya products like soy milk, tempeh and tofu are full of protein which is high in each essential amino acid. Soya is thus especially important for vegans as it is also a great source of Vitamin E and lecithin, anti-oxidants which cleanse the blood. Soya is also a good source of magnesium which plays a critical part in the effective functioning of the heart, arteries and bones.
Overall Wellbeing
Soya bean products are considered to enhance total wellbeing. They are said to boost energy levels and enhance emotional and mental wellbeing