Where does soy come from?
soy is a plant that belongs to legumes, just like alfalfa or beans. It has been cultivated in Asia for over 5,000 years. It is more precisely in Manchuria, a region located in the east of Russia, that this domestication began. Between 1500 and 1400 BC. J.-C., the culinary preparations diversify with soy sauce, tofu or even tempeh.
It is in the XVIIe century that Europe became familiar with soy thanks to Engelbert Kaempfer. This German botanist had introduced soybeans to the old continent after a stay in Japan. The first soy milk production unit opened in Paris in 1910. Forty years later, the United States embarked on the industrialization of this plant.
What are the benefits of soy?
Did you know that soy has many benefits?
- He improves cardiovascular health :pFor example, replacing red meat with soy protein reduces heart-damaging saturated fatty acids.
- He prevents osteoporosis : soy strengthens the solidity of the bones and limits their loss of density.
- He lowers cholesterol : this plant helps to regulate the lipid balance (as part of a balanced diet!).
- He alleviates symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes or weight gain.
In what forms can soy be consumed?
If you want to benefit from the virtues of soy, you can find it in a multitude of forms. Here are some examples:
- Powder: you can pour 30 g in a shaker and add 300 ml of drink like rice milk. Shake and drink! This product is ideal for enriching smoothies.
- Lecithin: it is a natural emulsifier that helps remove excess fats from the blood. It can be added to bread or cakes to improve their conservation or their aeration.
- Milk : Rich in protein, soy milk is used to prepare smoothies, pancake batters, soups, quiches or even gratins and cakes.
- Capsules: swallow two capsules a day (morning and evening) in a large glass of water at mealtimes.
- Tofu (prepared from unfermented soybeans) and tempeh (made from dehulled yellow soybeans).
What are the contraindications of soy?
Soy contains isoflavones : these are substances that bind to the estrogen receptors secreted by the ovaries. This plant may disrupt the endocrine system. It is therefore not recommended for children under 3 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding women and people with a personal history of breast cancerof the’uterusof the thyroid orovary.
In general, avoid excessive consumption of soy productslimiting yourself to one per day is recommended.
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