Soy vey — poor soy got a bad wrap for “causing cancer” and “causing hormones to be disrupted.” Fake news. Soy is:
- a complete protein, meaning it contains all the little amino acids that make up proteins that ya body can’t make itself. This is especially unique as it’s the only plant based protein that can do this, so, vegans— it’s your BFF
- usually in a form that also has fiber (like edamame and tempeh)! Fiber FOR THE WIN!
- usually in a form that is chameleonic in absorbing any sauce around it, which makes it culinarily exciting (try cooking with tempeh!)
- has probiotic potential — miso, natto, and tempeh all are fermented soy and have probiotics
- whole, unprocessed soy actually appears to be ANTI cancer and CARDIOPROTECTIVE!
- Stay away from soy Frankenfoods, aka processed soy. THAT stuff may be harmful. Think soy protein powders, bars, soy crackers and chips, basically anything that isn’t miso, tempeh, natto, tofu, or edamame.
- Soy may be hard to digest for those with IBS (FODMAP woes…)
- The soy sauce at most Asian places is horrendous and offensive to someone who has had REAL soy sauce in Japan . Opt for tamari instead. It’s way less processed.
- Our fav soy toy hack: extracting frozen broccoli + Brussels sprouts from the freezer and nuking it with some mustard + tamari + red pepper flakes
Essentially Yours,
The Essence Team