Food Find: Tempeh
Looking to follow a more plant-based diet, but the thought of eating tofu day after day doesn’t quite sit well with you? Well, good news for you– there are plenty of alternatives that will encourage a healthier, plant-based diet for everyone! Tempeh is similar to tofu, as it’s high in protein, low in fat, can be used as a meat substitute, but has a nutty flavor and is full of texture!
Tempeh originates in Indonesia and is actually the product of fermented soybeans. The fermentation process actually makes Tempeh a probiotic food, meaning it’s very gut-friendly, encouraging digestion and growth of healthy gut bacteria. And great news for those who are worried about following a vegetarian diet and getting enough protein, tempeh has even more protein than it’s counterpart, tofu. Because of its hearty texture, it works perfectly in traditionally meat-based dishes (see our Recipe of the Month), that even the most stubborn carnivore will enjoy!
The best part about following a plant-based diet is that it’s very heart healthy (meaning a longer life!), and because tempeh has soy isoflavones– eating this food can counteract high cholesterol levels according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Eating tempeh is associated with reducing the risk of developing diabetes, cancer, and other inflammatory diseases.
Following a plant based diet may sound difficult, but the meat substitutes, especially like the whole food tempeh, are abundant and can easily be used in any traditional dish. It’s all about getting creative with what you’ve got! Tempeh can be found in your local health-foods store or the health foods section in many grocery stores.
January 31, 2018
Bon Appetit
Food Find: Tempeh
Tempeh originates in Indonesia and is actually the product of fermented soybeans. The fermentation process actually makes Tempeh a probiotic food, meaning it’s very gut-friendly, encouraging digestion and growth of healthy gut bacteria. And great news for those who are worried about following a vegetarian diet and getting enough protein, tempeh has even more protein than it’s counterpart, tofu. Because of its hearty texture, it works perfectly in traditionally meat-based dishes (see our Recipe of the Month), that even the most stubborn carnivore will enjoy!
The best part about following a plant-based diet is that it’s very heart healthy (meaning a longer life!), and because tempeh has soy isoflavones– eating this food can counteract high cholesterol levels according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Eating tempeh is associated with reducing the risk of developing diabetes, cancer, and other inflammatory diseases.
Following a plant based diet may sound difficult, but the meat substitutes, especially like the whole food tempeh, are abundant and can easily be used in any traditional dish. It’s all about getting creative with what you’ve got! Tempeh can be found in your local health-foods store or the health foods section in many grocery stores.