What Are Soybeans and Soy Products?
Soybeans include yellow soybeans, black soybeans, and green soybeans. Soy products are generally classified into non-fermented and fermented types. Non-fermented soy products include soy milk, tofu, dried tofu, and Shuangqiang yuba. Fermented soy products include soybean paste, stinky tofu, and fermented soybean juice.
Benefits of Eating Soybeans and Soy Products
Soybeans are rich in high-quality protein, unsaturated fatty acids, calcium, and B vitamins, making them an important source of dietary protein in China.
Protein: Soy protein content is 35–40%. Except for methionine, the composition and ratio of essential amino acids are similar to those in animal protein. Soy is also rich in lysine, which is often lacking in cereal proteins, making it a naturally complementary food.
Fats: Soy contains 15–20% fat, 85% of which are unsaturated fatty acids, with linoleic acid making up 50%. It also contains phospholipids.
Carbohydrates & Fiber: Soy contains 25–30% carbohydrates, half of which are dietary fiber. Sugars like raffinose and stachyose are fermented by intestinal bacteria, producing gas and potentially causing bloating.
Minerals: Soy is rich in phosphorus, iron, and calcium, with 571 mg, 11 mg, and 367 mg per 100 g, respectively-significantly higher than cereals.
Vitamins: B vitamins such as vitamin B1, B2, and niacin are more abundant in soy than in cereals. Soy also contains carotene and abundant vitamin E.
Other Beneficial Compounds: Soy contains bioactive compounds including saponins, isoflavones, plant sterols, and oligosaccharides.
Fermented soy products have partially broken-down proteins, which are easier to digest and may have increased levels of certain nutrients. Soy sprouts, in addition to original nutrients, contain higher amounts of vitamin C. Therefore, when fresh vegetables are insufficient, a daily intake of about 40 g of soy or soy products is recommended.
How to Eat Soy Products More Scientifically
- Diversify: Eat various soy products regularly, such as Shuangqiang yuba, tofu, or tofu strips.
- Drink Soy Milk: Especially beneficial for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to milk. A large cup of soy milk each morning is recommended.
- Snack Options: Choose soy products like dried tofu as healthy snacks.
- Add to Porridge: Add a handful of soybeans to porridge to increase intake.
- Weekly Intake Alternative: If daily consumption is not possible, eat soy or soy products 3–4 times a week, about 70–90 g each time.
- Cooking Soy Milk: Raw soy milk must be boiled over high heat first, then simmered for about 5 minutes before drinking.
As a traditional Chinese soy product, tofu skin offers a unique texture and rich nutritional value. We encourage you to try it-you're sure to enjoy it! For purchase or more product information, please email info@sqsoyproducts.com.