Soya ... drinuM

Soya.......
.... Because we all have different needs but all like a great taste. 
 


Soya is one of the most nutritious plants in the plant kingdom, and forms an important part of any vegetarian or vegan diet.

Soya: a Versatile Food

In China, the soya bean has been cultivated and used in different ways for thousands of years. Soya was considered one of the 5 holy crops together with rice, wheat, barley and millet. 

Soya beans are very versatile: they can be used as whole soya beans, soya sprouts, or processed as soya milk, tofu and soya sauce. Soya is also used as an ingredient for non-food products, such as candle wax and biodiesel. Soy candles are becoming more popular because they burn longer and emit a less unhealthy smoke.

Soya: a Healthy Food

The increasing popularity of soya foods is mainly attributed to the large amount of health benefits which are associated with the use of soya beans. The role of soya in the prevention of chronic diseases continues to be a top priority to scientists around the world.

The FDA has confirmed that foods containing soy protein may reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Only people with soy allergy (about 0.5% of the population) should avoid eating foods containing soy protein. Over the past years, there has been an increasing interest in the antioxidant effects of soya beans, and in particular the health benefits of isoflavenes. Soya is very important for vegetarians and vegans. Soya has a high protein content and soya is rich in vitamins, minerals and fibers. The easiest way to consume soya is by drinking soya drinks.

The popularity of soya has risen sharply during the last years. Each day, more and more people are aware of the numerous benefits that make soya a highly recommended food for the health-conscious.


An Excellent Source of Proteins

Soya seed is nutritionally one of the best foods derived from the plant kingdom, and forms an important part of any vegetarian or vegan diet. This is because soya beans are a good source of protein, providing most of the main amino acids that the vegetarian needs. This cannot be said of many plants.


Soya: Rich in Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

Soya is also rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids that may benefit the heart and health in general, as they contribute to regulate the cholesterol level.


Soya is Cholesterol-free

Naturally cholesterol-free, soya can help to decrease what we call "bad" cholesterol or LDLs (low density lipo-proteins), as part of a fat-reduced diet. Cholesterol and LDLs are an important source of atherosclerotic plaques in the artery walls, blocking artery walls and giving rise to heart attacks and strokes. 


A Good Source of Fibre
 
Fibre is essential in any diet. Soya is also a source of soluble fibre and isoflavones, micronutrients that can protect against certain cancers and reduce the risk of osteoporosis - of course, in the long term, and as a part of a healthy life style.
 

Vitamins and Minerals

Calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, iron, potassium and zinc. The soya seed contents small quantities of both vitamins and minerals.


Soya as a Milk Alternative:

Soya drinks are excellent since they provide the benefits of soya and are suited to the needs of the individual. Soya drinks make a very pleasant beverages at any time of the day, by themselves or in coffee or tea, instead of milk.  Soya-based infant formulas are also to be found on the market.

Soya drinks are 100% non-dairy,and therefore lactose free. 
Thus they are ideal for those who suffer from lactose intolerance and also for vegans.
Many soya drinks are also gluten-free (check the labels).
Soya is naturally cholesterol-free.
Ideally one should buy soya drinks which are without added sucrose....

Besides, I would prefer to consume soya drinks which are organic for reasons given later on.

There are three problems with soya in terms of its use as a milk alternative. Firstly, one third of people that are allergic to dairy milk are also allergic to soya, or find it difficult to digest soya, which comes, of course, from the bean family. 

Secondly, soya is at the forefront of genetic manipulation, with most soya being cultivated in countries -such as the USA and Argentina - with pro-GM policies and, in the case of the the US, a refusal to segregate GM from non-GM crops. Clearly anyone wanting to avoid GM soya would need to look for an organic soya product only.

The third problem is to an extent subjective: it is taste. Soya milk has often been criticized for its taste. Even though improvements have been made, it is still not a highly palatable drink for many consumers. Thus, one has to look at soya which is sweetened with agave syrup, or soya with flavours such as those indicated earlier.


Varieties of Soya Drinks 

The natural soya drink is the closest to dairy milk. It can be used in tea or coffee and for cooking purposes.

Soya calcium drinks are enriched with additional calcium and are especially suitable for children and women, or for those who need a considerable amount of calcium intake. Calcium is very important for the bones and teeth, and since lactose-intolerant consumers do not normally eat cheese, and may not always get enough calcium from other sources, they might need to supplement their calcium intake.

The Soya Woman variety is enriched with soya germ naturally rich in isoflavenes. Various studies have shown that soya isoflavenes have a positive effect on menopause disorders. Isoflavenes help in the prevention of breast cancer and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Soya Omega 3 also contains omega-6. These fatty acids favour a healthier cardiovascular system.

Soya chocolate & Soya vanilla varieties are especially attractive to those who will not drink a natural variety but prefer to have a flavour. The might also be more attractive to children as well.

Soya Lemon & Cinnamon (Canela & Limon) is a Spanish variety, and a traditional drink in the Iberian peninsula. It is very tasty as a refreshing drink.


Other Uses of Soya

Soya snacks and cereal bars: the Landgarten brand offers organic soya to nibble on. It is either slightly salted or coated with milk, dark or white chocolate. Cereal bars make a healthy snack for anytime of the day.

Soy Sauce is used as a condiment to traditional and oriental dishes.

Soy cheese & butter are normally consumed by vegans or those following a strict diet.

Soya ice-cream, such as those produced by Valsoia, are - according to me - very tasty indeed, and at least contain less fats than other types of ice-cream.

Soya oil can be used as an alternative to other cooking oils available on the market.

Soya chunks provide a tasty alternative to meat. They are for vegetarians and those who want to reduce the intake of cholesterol.


This article has been compiled with the help of information gathered from the following websites: 

www.soya.be

www.lactoseintolerance.co.uk/

www.vegansociety.com

www.naturgreenfood.com

www.foodnavigator.com/Legislation/Soya-left-out-in-the-cold-on-milk-legislation 

http://www.isoflavones.info