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A complete source of vegetarian protein
Three days a week, one of us eats only vegetarian food. A well-balanced diet with a good source of plant-based protein on those days is very difficult to maintain. In addition, as food bloggers, we often get asked for recommendations on where to dine or what to order. And the most frequent request we receive is for vegetarian food that is NOT just paneer based.
Our answer to all these questions and more is soy. Vegans, vegetarians, and non-vegetarians can benefit from soy, a complete source of protein.
US Specialty Food Grade Soybean Workshop, Delhi
Soy in Indian cuisine has been around for a long time. It is used in a variety of forms, the most popular being the soy-chaap dish. Soy-chop is immensely loved by Indians especially people in Delhi.
Apart from this, the usage of soy milk and tofu became popular post the concept of veganism surfaced. Soy milk and tofu (commonly referred to as soy panner), are increasingly being used by people in cities. It is however surprising that an ingredient so beneficial and flavorful hasn’t found its rightful place in the Indian diet.
We attended the US Specialty Food Grade Soybean Workshop in August at Le Meridien Hotel in Delhi, where we learned about soy, the superfood. Here is why we should all go for it!
Soy health benefits
The programme included a number of seminars that covered topics including production and packaging. However, the session by Dr. Kavita piqued our interest the most as she discussed the advantages of soy in treating a variety of illnesses and inadequacies. The following are some of what we discovered:
- Regular consumption of soy food helps in controlling cholesterol and blood glucose
- Soy products, especially fermented ones, help treat anemia by boosting hemoglobin
- Soy foods are a rich source of isoflavones. Isoflavones are extremely good for bone health
- We were surprised to know that soy is especially recommended for autistic patients
- Given that soy products can be a substitute for milk, they make an excellent choice for individuals who are lactose intolerant
- As soy is rich in fibre it helps in digestion and boosts immunity
- Soy helps to maintain the balance of good bacteria against bad bacteria in the body
- Soy provides all the essential amino acids which makes it a unique source of plant protein
During one of the sessions, we also learned about Okara, a byproduct/waste from soy production units. Okara, used to make granola and energy bars, is a rich protein source and contains other nutritive elements.
Soy in Indian food
There were several startups present at the event who are doing great work with soy products. All different kinds of soy products from these entrepreneurs were on show at the location. These ranged from Indian desserts made with soybean powder, such as Gulab Jamun and barfi, to soy curd and soy lassi with mango flavour. We tried a few of these and really liked them.
It was a fitting way to round off this enjoyable and fruitful class.
We are BELIEVERS of soy. We will consciously work to include soy in our diet every day of the week.
Also Read:Â 10 Health tips for food bloggers
This is such a great guide! I have a friend who just went vegan, and she’s been having a difficult time getting in enough protein.
Soy is a much-preferred staple for vegans in India as well.
The health benefits of Soy are truly immense. It is a great source of protein, especially for vegetarians. The workshop seems to have been really informative. We have incorporates Soy as a part of our regular diet. Sandy N Vyjay
Good for you 🙂
I’ve always known that soy was the “healthier” alternative but never quite knew the benefits until now. Maybe I’ll try some soy products soon and see.
We are on the same boat.
Soy really does have a lot of health benefits. This is such a great and informative post!
We agree completely
I’ve been in Delhi for 2 years now and truly I had zero idea about these. But these workshops look really good.
Yes, it was very enlightening!
We’ve been trying to eat a more plant-based diet when we can here, especially since I am allergic to eggs and dairy. I have started adding more soy products into our meals and my boys don’t seem to notice a difference most of the time.
You are a lucky mom 🙂
Soy is definitely a good source of protein especially and vegetarians and my family loves it. Soya chunks sabzi, soya bhajia and soy milk happen to be our favourites. Have to check Gulab Jamun and barfi now
You are already on the health route.
So many health benefits. Thanks for sharing the details. I use soya chunks in noodles & enjoy it.
Will start using soy in other forms too.
That’s an excellent recipe
Soy is a powerful source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. I remember attending a workshop on Soya few years back and had learnt a lot.
Thanks for sharing so many Soy products that can make a good welcome in my list too, shall start with soy granules.