Monday 7 October 2013

Tempeh: A highly nutritious and protein rich fermented soy product.


     Tempeh is a fermented soy product from Indonesia. It is made from cooked and dehulled soybeans and culturing agents. It is characterized for its distinctive texture and solid consistency. Additionally, tempeh is recognized for its valuable health benefits.  

     1.Rich in protein:  All fermented products are high in protein content. This applied for tempeh also which provides with 18.5 grams of protein which is 37 percent of an adult's recommended intake. Throughout fermentation the majority of protein would have been converted into amino acids. Thus protein becomes more easily digestible than that found in animal products. Therefore tempeh is considered an optimum and a superior source of protein for meat eaters as well as for vegetarians. 

      2.Gastrointestinal benefits:  Tempeh is considerably rich in dietary fiber that confers various benefits for the colon as it is detoxified and the cancer in colon is prevented. In countries where fermented soy products are regularly consumed incidences of colon cancer are significantly low. 


    3.Good source of healthy fats: Good fats such as omega 3 fats are recognized for their role in maintenance of physical and emotional health whereas bad fats contribute to the rise of cholesterol and the increase of risk for various diseases. More particularly, 100 grams of tempeh contains approximately 11 grams of fat, 2 grams of which are saturated. The same amount contains 220 micrograms of omega 3 fatty acids which can boost heart health and lower triglycerides. Bodies are unable to manufacture several useful polyunsaturated fats so it is important that we would involve them in our diet. 


   4.B Vitamin Complex: Tempeh does not contain vitamins A, C, D, K or E however it contains considerable amounts of B Vitamins. This type of vitamins can offer a range of benefits such as cellular growth and regulation along with development of enzymes and proteins. Absence of Vitamin B is connected to various medical conditions such as anemia, depression, fatigue and respiratory infections. 


    5.Trace mineral content: One serving of tempeh provides a significant amount of minerals such as calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese. Manganese for example is a mineral that promotes bone growth and it aids the body to convert protein and fat into energy. 


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