Simply Soy

Editor's Notes

• #2: Objectives: Participants will be able to identify food sources of soy. Participants will know what counts as a serving of soy. Participants will know MyPlate recommendations for soy. Participants will know how to prepare soy.
• #3: Common Soy Products Soy sauce Soy sauce is created from fermented soybeans. Despite the salty taste, soy sauce actually is lower in sodium than traditional table salt. Miso and tamari are two variations of soy sauce made from soy beans. Soy milk Soy milk is a fluid produced from soaking and straining soybeans. It can be found in shelf-stable liquid or shelf-stable dry powder form, or refrigerated in the dairy case at your grocery store. Plain, unsweetened soy milk is an excellent alternative to cows’ milk and offers high-quality protein and B-vitamins. Soymilk is used to create a variety of products including soy cheese and soy ice cream. Soybean oil Soybean oil is derived from the natural oil found in whole soybeans. Oil sold in grocery stores under the name “vegetable oil” usually is 100 percent soybean oil or a blend of soybean oil and other oils. Soybean oil is rich in polyunsaturated fats and naturally cholesterol-free as opposed to butter. Less Common Soy Products Hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP) HVP is the protein from vegetables, typically soybeans, and is used as a flavor enhancer in items such as soups, sauces, flavoring blends, canned and frozen vegetables, meats and poultry. Soy protein isolates Although the name sounds derived from a scientific lab, soy protein isolates (or isolated soy protein) essentially are soy flakes. They are a highly refined product designed to get the most protein out of the soybean. Soy protein isolates are 92 percent protein and are highly digestible.
• #4: Soy is a plant native to Asia and has been a staple in the Asian diet for more than 5,000 years. Large-scale soybean cultivation did not start in the U.S. until around World War II. Today, the Midwestern U.S. produces about half of the world’s supply of soybeans. The popular bean is found in a wide variety of food products from tofu to infant formula, as well as nonfood products such as shampoo, diesel fuel and cosmetics.
• #5: Edamame: Soybeans that are harvested when still green and sweet; can be shelled or unshelled, frozen or fresh, and take little preparation Tempeh: Combination of fermented soybeans and a grain that is formed into a tender cake with a smoky, nutty flavor Miso: Fermented soybeans sometimes mixed with rice to result in a thick paste used for sauces, spreads and soups Lecithin: Product extracted from soybean oil and used as an emulsifier in many foods Tamari: Gluten-free soy sauce
• #6: Tofu is a soft, creamy product made from curdling soy milk. Tofu is a naturally bland, high-quality protein that easily takes on the flavor of other foods with which it is cooked. Tofu comes in different forms: soft, firm and silken. Soft tofu is best used in blending recipes such as a smoothie. Firm tofu is great for holding its shape, such as in grilling or in a stir-fry. Silken tofu is great in creamier recipes, such as for replacing sour cream in a dip. Rich in protein, B-vitamins and calcium and low in sodium, tofu offers a great alternative to meat products.
• #7: Purposes in foods: Emulsification Soy flour and soy protein isolates help blend the fats for a smoother texture and palatability in high-fat foods, foods such as bologna, sausage, breads, cakes, soups and whipped toppings. Fat absorption Soy can be used to promote or prevent fat absorption in foods such as bologna, sausage, doughnuts and pancakes. Water absorption Soy flour and concentrates help in the uptake and retention of water in food products such as breads, cakes, macaroni and confections. Texture Soy flour and soy isolates are used to create viscosity, gelation (solidification by freezing) and fiber formation in foods such as soups, gravies and simulated meat products. Other uses Soy is used in a number of ways, including dough formation, cohesion, adhesion, elasticity, color control and aeration.
• #8: Soybeans provide protein, fiber (complex carbohydrates), and several vitamins and minerals. They contain no cholesterol and little to no fat. Adding soybeans to a healthful diet will help maintain good health.
• #9: Benefits: Cholesterol: Research indicates soy consumption can decrease LDL cholesterol moderately in humans. This is most beneficial when soy protein is substituted for animal protein in the diet. Blood pressure: Research shows soy consumption can help lower blood pressure in humans. Research still is needed to determine the best source and preparation of soybeans for this outcome. Menopause: Research is limited on the relationship between soy consumption and menopause symptom reduction, but conclusions point to a reduction in hot flashes in menopausal women. Cancer prevention: Research concludes that soy consumption can decrease the risk of breast cancer in women and prevent prostate cancer in men. Because soy contains estrogenlike chemicals, it should be used with caution in hormone-sensitive individuals.
• #10: The Food and Drug Administration has authorized the use of a health claim on the association between soy protein and the reduced risk of coronary heart disease (CHD). The food needs to include 6.25 grams of soy protein per reference amount customarily consumed (RACC), less than 1 gram of saturated fat per RACC, no more than 15 percent of calories from saturated fat per RACC and less than 20 milligrams of cholesterol per RACC. Specifically, the label needs to state that “soy protein” is the beneficial part that can reduce CHD.
• #11: Nutritional analysis of selected soybeans with a reference diet: Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture. www.supertracker.usda.gov/ Experts recommend adults consume at least 25 grams of fiber per day.
• #12: MyPlate Recommendation   ½ cup soybeans = ½ cup vegetables or 2 ounces protein (2.5 cups vegetables recommended daily) ½ cup cubed firm tofu = 2 ounces protein (5.5 ounces recommended daily) 1 cup soymilk = 1 cup dairy (3 cups recommended daily)
• #13: Soybeans can count toward the Vegetable Group or the Protein Foods Group total. The amount of food you need from each group varies depending on gender, age and physical activity level. To find out what’s right for you, visit www.choosemyplate.gov and print out your daily food guide. On average, adults need about 2.5 to 3 cups of vegetables per day and 5 to 6 ounce equivalents of meat and beans per day. Soy milk can count as the Dairy Group servings.
• #14: Gluten-free diet: Soybeans contain no gluten (protein found in wheat and some other cereal grains), so people with gluten intolerances (celiac disease) can include soybeans in their recipes. Diabetic diet: Pulses may help with blood glucose management because of their low glycemic index (measure of how fast carbohydrate-containing foods raise blood sugar levels.) A low glycemic index means soybeans raise blood sugar slowly, compared with foods having a high glycemic index. Vegetarian diet: Soybeans are a good source of protein, an essential part of the vegetarian diet. Weight management diet: Soybeans are high in fiber and protein, leading to a feeling of fullness. They are also low in fat. *When consuming extra fiber, be sure to drink plenty of water.
• #16: Soaking: Wash dried soybeans thoroughly and drain. For every 1 cup of dried soybeans, add 3 cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Use any of the cooking methods below: Conventional method: Soak soybeans overnight or eight to 10 hours. Drain and rinse thoroughly. Quick soak: In a large saucepan, bring soybeans and water to a boil and then reduce to a simmer for two minutes. Remove from heat and let sit for an hour. Drain and rinse.
• #17: Breakfast Recipes Mixed-berry fusion smoothie Breakfast burrito with tofu Cereal with soymilk Main Dish Recipes Edamame bowtie pasta salad Cranberry edamame salad Soy burger Taco salad with tofu crumbles Tofu salad sandwich Tofu veggie stir-fry Tempeh Side Dish Recipes Crispy parmesan edamame Soy and spinach artichoke dip Vegetable three-bean soup Baked potato with soybean chili Dessert Recipes Tofu peanut butter pie Tofu mousse
• #20: References Soyfoods: www.soyfoods.com/soy-food-descriptions/ Mayo Clinic: www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/soy/background/hrb-20060012 U.S. Department of Agriculture: www.supertracker.usda.gov/foodtracker.aspx