What do you think of soy?

Question

I have been ordering soy latte's lately. Are they better for me? Lower in calorie? We've also been eating veggie and soy burgers. I'm about to try cooking with tofu. Any advice? I just don't know much about soy.

Answer 1

well ive switched to light plain soy imlk because ive become lactose intolerant, but they say its not good to have that too much frequent soy because it does stuff to yuour digestive system and also it has high amounts of fat unless you are going with the light versions...however in small amounts its great for you

Answer 2

Soybeans provide a full and well-balanced mixture of essential amino acids and is a valuable and healthy protein for vegetarian.

If you try to cook tofu, i do have some tofu recipes, you can have a look to get some ideas  : )

http://www.crystalbyblog.blogspot.com/

Answer 3

Some people have claimed that soy products are bad for the brain, or thyroid, hormones, etc.  The first thing I would say in response to that is "everything in moderation."  The second thing I would say is to move away from processed foods as much as possible.  My intuition tells me the soybean by itself is a lovely, healthy thing, just like any other bean.  It has fiber and protein and vitamins & minerals.  It has fat and calories too, like other whole foods.  

In general, I feel fine about soy.  I'd would eat fresh or dried whole soybeans pretty freely.  I might drink commercial soy milk or eat soy "nut" butters or tofu a few times a week.  I might limit the soy products like soy cheese or soy nuggets to once a week.  These are just my ideas.  

As for cooking with tofu, I usually use a firm tofu, drain it, wrap it in an absorbent towel and lay a heavy pan on top to squeeze excess water out.  I don't usually think ahead enough to marinate it, so I'll rub it in a nice olive oil, salt, pepper and seasoning (try chili pepper or garlic powder) and cut it in triangle slices to grill (George Foreman or cast-iron stovetop.)  I'll sprinkle it with lime juice or dip it in a nice sauce.  

Tofu has little flavor on its own but it takes flavor quite well.

Another technique is to freeze it in its package first, then thaw and use as usual.  This adds air pockets that change the texture.  I think many restaurants use this technique.

There are TONS of things you can do with tofu.  I've made smoothies, a tofu cheesecake, a vegan chili, etc...

Answer 4

I love soy products.

When I go to a coffee shop, I always order mocha lattes or chai tea lattes with soy. I originally started doing it simply because I thought it tasted better, but it also is healthier for you then dairy.

(I went to Dunkin Donuts today because I heard they had a promotion where you could get a free iced coffee, I was disappointed that they didn't have any sort of soy milk.)

Tofu is one of my favorite foods because it takes in the flavors of whatever its cooked with. If I cook it with a bunch of veggies and hot sauce, it takes on their flavor. If I lightly bread it in cornmeal, it ends up tasting like a pancake. Tofu, you don't have to cook it very long, just enough to heat it up.