Tempeh: The hidden health treasure from Indonesia gaining interest
Although this product may not appear very impressive to the American eye, its health benefits are worth attention. Tempeh is an Indonesian soy product occasionally found in American stores. What benefits can regular consumption bring us? Here’s our answer.
1:17 PM EDT, June 21, 2024
It is often said that not everything that glitters is gold. In the world of food products, this saying should be taken seriously. Colorful, bright, eye-catching items are mostly just nutritional junk, while those that don’t visually impress—sometimes even repel—are a treasure trove of benefits for the body. And there’s probably no better example of this than tempeh.
Tempeh — a remarkable product from a distant land
The tradition of making tempeh in Indonesia is about 500 years old. Thanks to immigrants from the island nation, this product reached Europe in the mid-20th century. Initially, the inhabitants of the Old Continent were skeptical of tempeh, but eventually, they opened their own companies producing it on a larger scale. The Dutch have particularly become market leaders.
What exactly is tempeh? It’s soybeans fermented using rice flour and Rhizopus mold. After the production process, tempeh can be served raw or cooked. It plays a vital role in many meatless diets, often becoming a frequent addition to salads, stews, or wok dishes. Many times, tempeh also serves as a meat substitute.
Tempeh — properties
Tempeh is a dish rich in protein, which is precisely why it has found its place in modern vegetarianism and veganism. Over 0.7 ounces of protein per 3.5 ounces of the product is impressive, and it’s also worth noting that tempeh does not contain the cholesterol that is so common in meat.
Additionally, tempeh is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and isoflavonoids, chemical compounds with anti-cancer properties. This fermented product also contains healthy unsaturated fatty acids, fiber, and folic acid. Regular consumption of tempeh supports the cardiovascular system, lowers cholesterol levels, strengthens bones, combats free radicals, and alleviates menopausal symptoms.
