Soy is a vital foodstuff to meet your daily nutritional needs. The plant-based food is rich in vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. Also, it is an excellent source of fiber with high protein content. Many people swear by its health benefits and include it in their diets regularly.
You now understand how this marvelous protein source can improve your health and well-being and want to ensure you get enough of it in your daily diet. For instance, you can substitute some of the meats in your meals with soy products. Altogether, you will get all the nutrients in a healthy and balanced way.
Below are some straightforward methods to add soy meals to your diet. Try some of these ideas to get enough of this nutritious foodstuff.
1. Prepare Your Tea with Soy Milk
Milk is a significant protein source and ingredient in most meals and drinks. Households spend a lot of money annually on different milk products. They say milk is a complete diet with water, calcium, vitamins, and carbohydrates.
But how does soy milk compare with dairy? Soy protein is a superb alternative for vegans and those with lactose intolerance. Soy milk contains fewer saturated fats but more fiber, vitamin C, magnesium, and iron than animal sources. Moreover, you can make tea with it just like any other type of milk for a delicious cup of tea in the evenings.
2. Include Soy in Your Pastry
Baking snacks at home eliminates all unhealthy ingredients from store-bought cakes and cookies. Swap dairy with soy milk, yogurt, or plant-based butter in your recipes. It helps you consume more plant-based proteins in the form of baked goodies. What about the taste? Soy products generally have an earthy flavor that goes well with pastries.
Further, you can pick up a package of soy flour from your local stores. A good ratio is to replace a third to half cup of wheat flour with soy flour in your recipe. It gives the dish a nutty flavor and provides essential nutrients and protein for your body. Most flour manufacturers use traces of soy in their products to fortify the nutrient content.
3. Snack on Soy Burger
Vegetarian sandwiches are the way to go if you like burgers but want to break from meat. Soybean is an excellent alternative as the main ingredient in your veggie patty. It adds fiber, protein, and minerals to make a complete meal. Besides, soy burgers are tasty and filling. You can make them from scratch at home or order premade patties.
Chefs like to add different flavors while making vegan burger patties. You may include spices like garlic, onions, or herbs. The additives help to improve the desired flavor. Also, you can sprinkle some soy sauce to add a unique taste. It will make the burger even more delightful and nutritious.
4. Replace Beef and Pork with Tempeh
Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian staple made from cooked and fermented soybeans. It is firmer and has a nutty taste than tofu. Also, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that benefit your health. People use tempeh in many dishes to replace beef or pork as the main ingredient.
You can slice tempeh, sauté it in a pan with vegetable oil, and season it with your favorite spices. Furthermore, you can try it as the base of your stew or mix it with vegetables for a tasty stir-fry. You will notice that tempeh has a unique texture and flavor that adds value to your meal.
5. Boil Edamame for a Protein-Rich Snack
Edamame are immature soybeans you can buy in their pod. They have a sweet flavor, consumed as a snack or side dish in many Asian cuisines. People boil the green pods for three to five minutes before serving to make them crunchy but not too soft.
You can also season edamame with salt, pepper, or garlic powder. It makes an excellent salad topping with a crunchy texture and mildly sweet flavor. You can also enjoy boiled edamame as a mid-day snack to get enough protein. Remember not to overcook the beans; otherwise, they will lose flavor and texture.
6. Add Soy Nuts to Your Trail Mix
Exercising and sports require strength and endurance. You must replenish your body with nutrients after a long day. Trail mix is an excellent snack among athletes, providing energy-boosting carbohydrates and proteins. Most times, people use nuts or seeds in their trail mix.
Soy nuts make an excellent option as they deliver more protein than other nuts. The nutty flavor goes well with your mix of fruits and seeds. Moreover, soybeans contain calcium and fiber that help keep you energized throughout the day. They also promote healthy digestion and reduce blood cholesterol levels.
Summing Up
Soy protein has emerged as a complete diet for vegans and health-conscious people. It offers all essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and fatty acids necessary to sustain life. Including this heart-benefiting foodstuff in your daily diet is a must. You can bake, boil, fry, or add soy products to your meals and snacks.
Try some of the ideas described to add more soy protein to boost metabolism, enhance immunity, and reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, you get better bone health by increasing mineral density and reinforcing muscle mass.
Â
