Soyfoods Come in a Wide Array of Healthy Choices*

29 July 2010 by Aaron Tabor

Soy protein is easily digested and provides all the essential amino acids needed to meet our nutritional requirements when eaten at levels that meet the USDA protein recommendations. Unlike some other sources of high quality protein, soy protein is low in saturated fat and cholesterol making it an excellent dietary source of protein.  There is a wide variety of soyfoods, which makes it easy to add to your diet.  If you aren’t already enjoying soy’s nutritional benefits, now is a good time to consider adding soy to your diet.  Some common types of soy foods include:

  • Edamame.  Soybeans harvested when the beans are still green and sweet tasting.  These can be served as a snack or a main vegetable dish. They are high in protein and fiber and contain no cholesterol.
  • Miso. A smooth paste, miso is made from soybeans and a grain such as rice, plus salt and a mold culture, and then aged one to three years. The Japanese make miso soup and use it to flavor a variety of foods.
  • Natto.  Natto is made of fermented, cooked whole soybeans. It has a sticky, viscous coating with a cheesy texture. In Asian countries natto traditionally is served as a topping for rice, in miso soups, and is used with vegetables.
  • Soymilk.  Soybeans, soaked, ground fine and strained, produce fluid called soybean milk, which is a good substitute for cow’s milk. Soymilk is an excellent source of high quality protein and B-vitamins.
  • Soynuts. Roasted soynuts are whole soybeans that have been soaked in water and then baked until browned. Soynuts can be found in a variety of flavors, including chocolate-covered. High in protein and isoflavones, soynuts are similar in texture and flavor to peanuts.
  • Tempeh. Whole soybeans, sometimes mixed with another grain such as rice or millet, are fermented into a rich cake of soybeans with a smoky or nutty flavor. Tempeh can be marinated and grilled and added to soups, casseroles, or chili.
  • Tofu.  Tofu (or soybean curd) is a soft cheese-like food made by intentionally curdling soymilk. Tofu readily absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients with which it is cooked. It is available in different degrees of firmness, is rich in high-quality protein and B-vitamins, and is low in sodium.

Soy protein also can be found in other food products such as soy-based frozen desserts, soy cheese, soy yogurt, soynut butter, and soy-based meat alternatives.  Soybeans are also used to make soy protein ingredients that are then used to make other soy food products like soy bars, soy shakes and soy chips.  These ingredients include soy flour, soy protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate.

The benefit of using these ingredients to make new soy foods is that these foods can be convenient meal supplements and snacks and they can provide adequate amounts of soy protein and soy antioxidants in a convenient serving size.  For example, just 1 Revival® Soy bar or shake contains the amount of soy isoflavones found in about 6 cups of a typical soymilk.  Because of our patented, natural concentration process, we can blend an isoflavone-rich portion with a separate protein-rich portion, yielding a final product rich in both soy protein and soy isoflavones. This combination provides the naturally concentrated benefits of Revival Soy.

So whether you choose to snack on some tender edamame, add some tofu to your favorite recipe, or have a convenient soy bar as part of a quick, fulfilling meal, make sure to include soy protein as part of your regular, healthy diet.

To learn more about these and other soyfoods, visit the U.S. Soyfoods Directory.

Start enjoying the health benefits of soy foods with Dr. Tabor’s Revival® soy protein shakes, bars, snacks, and other delicious products.*

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*DISCLAIMER: Individual results vary. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Revival foods and dietary supplements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Typical hot flash reduction was nearly 40% in a 12-week study funded by Physicians Laboratories. Typical weight loss was 26 - 29 pounds for dieters in a 16 week study. Studies were funded in part or in whole by Physicians Laboratories. The information presented on this web site is not intended to take the place of your personal physician's advice. Discuss this information with your own physician or healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. Revival is not a substitute for prescription medication, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or any other medical treatment. Revival is not a substitute for the care of your own physician. The FDA states that 25g of soy protein a day, as part of a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol, may reduce risk of heart disease. Each Revival protein shake and protein bar provides 20g of soy protein. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. We can not and do not give you medical advice. You should seek prompt medical care for any specific health issues and consult your physician before starting a new fitness or nutrition regimen. The information contained in this online site and emails is presented in summary form only and intended to provide broad consumer understanding and knowledge. The information should not be considered complete and should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation or advice of your physician or other healthcare provider. We do not recommend the self-management of health problems. Should you have any healthcare-related questions, please call or see your physician or other healthcare provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here.