Reprinted from the Health District's quarterly publication mailed to district residents (Spring 1999)
TOPIC: The joy of soy
 
by dianne moeller, rd

It's never been easier to enjoy the health benefits of soy. No longer limited to bland, flavorless tofu, soy foods now come in a creative range of delicious and easy-to-use products that are available at your favorite supermarket.

These new products may fool your taste buds, but when it comes to health advantages, your body won't know the difference.

It's been known for years that soybeans are a valuable source of nutrients, fiber and high-quality protein. Soy is also free of cholesterol and low in saturated and total fat. Now soy is emerging as a potential disease-fighter. Recent research suggests soy foods may help reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer and also may minimize menopausal symptoms, as well as promote bone strength.

Adding soy to your diet doesn't mean you have to sacrifice flavor or convenience. Besides tofu, soy foods are available in a variety of forms that mimic the flavor and texture of meat and dairy products such as cheese, ground beef and milk. Many soy products come fully cooked and ready to add to your favorite recipe.

So try slipping a tempeh burger on the grill or adding some soy milk to your muffin mix. You'll soon discover it's never been easier to sample the joys of soy.
soy products to buy and try

Soymilk
Make a smoothie with soymilk, bananas and other favorite fruits, pour on your cereal or use instead of milk in soups, sauces, puddings, muffins or pancakes.

TVP (textured vegetable protein)
Available as a dried product resembling Grape Nuts or frozen and ready to use, TVP has a texture like ground beef and is delicious in tomato-based products like chili, sloppy joes, meatloaf and spaghetti sauce.

Tempeh
The whole soybean is fermented to produce a dense cake that can be grilled, stir-fried or steamed. Use in salads and as a meat replacement in stews, casseroles, chili, tacos and sloppy joes.

Tofu (available in silken, soft and firm)
This delicate soy "cheese" takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked with and is useful in any type of dish from the spiciest entree to the richest, sweetest dessert. Silken tofu's creamy consistency makes wonderful sauces, cream soups and desserts. The water-packed varieties of tofu (soft and firm), found in the refrigerated produce section of supermarkets, can be added to stir fries, stews, or used in stuffed shells, lasagna, tacos, soups, casseroles and dips.

Meat and Dairy Substitutes
A wide variety of foods made from tofu and other soy products resemble foods like cheese, yogurt, burgers, hot dogs, and luncheon and breakfast meats. They can be used in the same ways as the foods they mimic.

resources

For more information about soy foods, visit Soy Foods online or call Dixie Diner’s Club for a catalog of soy products at (800) 233-3668. Recipes
Free soy tour  | Nutrition help?