Including soy foods in your diet is a great way to increase your plant protein intake. A large number of people have been shifting to a plant-based diet. It can be tricky to have a diverse range of vegetarian and especially vegan sources of protein, essential minerals and vitamins, too . While chickpeas, lentils and nutritional yeast are some great sources of protein, soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, edamame and soya snacks like Promunch are some of the richest sources of plant-based protein.
Soya foods are made from soybean which is a legume and are part of Fabacea pea family. While the crop is cultivated in the United States and North America widely, it is native to SouthEast Asia.
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The soya bean can be eaten in multiple ways. The green soya is a young variety called edamame- they are whole, immature soybeans which can be boiled and stir fried as a delicious and healthy snack. The yellow soybean is usually used to make soymilk, tofu, tempeh and tamari. Black soybeans are rare legumes that are native to China and have been used in Chinese medicine to clear toxins from the body. These black soybeans are fermented and used in a whole range of traditional recipes. Soy oil is also used as cooking oil and the leftover soy meal after the extraction is used as animal feed.
- Research shows that having more plant-based protein in your diet as opposed to more carbohydrates can lower blood pressure and has cardiovascular benefits.
- Soy foods are low in saturated fat as opposed to protein from animals which contains high levels of saturated fats and dietary cholesterol. Soy foods are also naturally cholesterol-free.
- Soy-based foods such as Promunch is a great way to improve your fiber intake. Fiber encourages a healthy gastrointestinal system. Promunch is available in 3 delicious flavours and makes for a tasty and healthy snack.
- Soy foods are also a good source of polyunsaturated fat which has a range of heart health benefits. They contain omega-3 fats.
- Soy foods like Promunch also contain a range of vitamins and minerals such as B-vitamins, iron, zinc and antioxidants.
- They are a good source of phytochemicals which are called isoflavones.
- One cup of boiled soybeans (around 172 g) contains 29 grams of protein!
- A lesser known benefit of soybean is that it helps with symptoms of sleep disorder. Soybean consists of high amounts of magnesium which is linked to better quality restfulness and duration of sleep. Therefore, consuming soybeans as part of your daily diet can potentially help in reducing instances of insomnia and other sleeping disorders. A study also claimed that estrogen like compounds help postmenopausal women get good quality sleep.
- Several studies suggest that soybean can increase the insulin receptors in the body, leading to better management and even prevention of diabetes. Since soybeans are low in carbohydrates, this also makes it an ideal anti-diabetic food. The aforementioned isoflavones also improve glucose control and manage insulin resistance, which greatly helps diabetics.
Apart from the many reasons mentioned above, soy is an excellent alternative for those looking to eat more vegetarian or vegan food. If you are someone who is transitioning to a vegetarian or a plant-based diet, the journey can be an arduous one. Soybeans are dynamic and diverse, allowing you to prepare them any way you like. Soymilk products such as cheese and milk are also great options for those who are lactose intolerant. Promunch is a snack that embodies all of the above and tastes great too!
