There’s no doubt that nutrition is an important topic for
consumers, but Americans today are also faced with more time
constraints than ever before. As a result, effortless food choices
often prevail over healthy alternatives.
For most consumers, changing their eating habits may depend on a
variety of factors: the taste of the food, the ease of preparation
and whether the food is readily available and reasonably
priced.
There’s no doubt that nutrition is an important topic for consumers, but Americans today are also faced with more time constraints than ever before. As a result, effortless food choices often prevail over healthy alternatives.
For most consumers, changing their eating habits may depend on a variety of factors: the taste of the food, the ease of preparation and whether the food is readily available and reasonably priced.
Considering the importance of health and the increasing demands on time, wouldn’t it be ideal to have food choices that were appealing, convenient, uncomplicated and touted an impressive nutritional profile? Such characteristics already exist in one humble yet powerful little bean – the soybean.
Soy has long been regarded as having a healthful nutrient profile. As a food source that is high in protein, fiber and essential amino acids, incorporating soy into the diet is an easy and tasty way to get the nutrition we need.
In 1999, the Food and Drug Administration recognized soy’s cholesterol lowering effects and authorized a health claim for soy protein, which states that incorporating 25 grams of soy protein per day into a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease.
Since then, food manufacturers have taken note and increased development of a wide variety of healthful, tasty and easy-to-prepare soy products that appeal to consumers.
From meals to snacks to beverages, the soy product marketplace offers many fun and nutritious options that will please even the most selective palate.
One of the most popular soy products on the market is soymilk. Available in a variety of flavors, including chocolate and strawberry, soymilk manufacturers have broadened their product lines to appeal to mainstream consumers.
Also, because soymilk is so versatile, and because its flavor has been significantly refined, it has become a popular ingredient. Many vitamin-packed fruit smoothies are further enhanced with protein-rich soymilk.
Also updated with new flavor and texture enhancements, tofu has seen a revival in the marketplace.
Tofu is readily available in two forms, regular and silken (creamy), and in either case, you can select from soft, firm or extra-firm texture and full or reduced fat.
What makes tofu so distinct is its versatility, as it absorbs the flavors of the ingredients with which it’s mixed. Plus, tofu is easy to incorporate into recipes of all kinds.
Water-packed tofu has a dense, solid texture, and is available conveniently pre-packaged for quick and easy incorporation into recipes.
Try crumbling firm tofu into chili or add cubes of it to stir-fries, soups and casseroles. It’s easy to incorporate and dishes instantly receive a boost of protein and B-vitamins without sacrificing taste.
Silken tofu, which has a creamy, smooth texture, makes an excellent ingredient substitute in recipes ranging from dips to dressings to ice cream.
Edamame, or sweet green soybeans, also make a wonderful, nutritious addition to many types of dishes. Edamame is currently one of the hottest food trends, turning up on the menus of some of the nation’s most acclaimed restaurants and at major league baseball parks.
Recreational chefs can enjoy dishes prepared with edamame right in the comfort of their own kitchens with little fuss or time commitment required.
Edamame also makes for a fun, wholesome snack. Because these soybeans are harvested early, they embody a sweet flavor that successfully stands alone. Just boil water, steam the beans for approximately 15 minutes and eat. It’s that easy and it’s delicious.
Eating healthy doesn’t always mean sacrificing taste or time. Today’s grocery retailers offer many convenient soyfood options, which come fresh or pre-packaged and ready to use as complements to your own prepared meals.
