What does soy meat look like? Soy meat - how it is made and what to cook it. How meat is made from soy

Currently, soy products are becoming more and more popular, which, until recently, very little was known in our country. However, it is worth noting that in countries such as China, Japan, Asia, Africa and America, soy is one of the main food products, and not so much because of its cheapness, but because of its beneficial properties.

Let's try to figure out what soy products are. The most correct name is textured soy products, which are specialty products made from mushrooms that have been defatted in order to mimic the shape and texture of the most healthy mushroom dishes. Soy meat is produced in a wide range of colors, sizes and shapes.

Soy meat ensures the preservation of all the nutrients present in the feedstock. Due to the freeze-drying process carried out at the last stage of production, soy meat can be stored for a long time. Depending on the range of aromatic and flavoring additives, after swelling in broth or water, soy products recreate the texture of the corresponding protein (mushroom, fish, meat) products.

Soy meat, like all soy products, contains from 46 to 70% of proteins similar in composition to animal proteins, and does not contain cholesterol at all, and therefore the use of soy products significantly reduces the risk of various cardiovascular diseases. Soy products are valued for their high content of provitamin PP and B vitamins, they are a rich source of magnesium and iron.

Soy meat and other soy products are recommended for everyday nutrition, including dietary. Soy products are included in diets for some functional disorders and diseases of the digestive tract. In diseases that are caused by metabolic disorders (some forms of diabetes), a beneficial effect on the body of food rich in dietary fiber is found. Soy products are used in the preparation of cold appetizers, soups, side dishes, pâtés and pastries. Excellent nutritional properties, high nutritional value, affordability and the ability to improve the organoleptic properties of products have made soy products a favorite dish of many families.

Let's try to figure out how to cook soy meat correctly. In fact, there is nothing complicated here, you just need to follow a few simple rules:

1. Due to the fact that soy meat is sold in a dehydrated (dry) form, it must first be poured with boiling water in a ratio of 1: 3 (i.e. 3 liters of water are needed for 1 kg of soy meat), add salt, spices, vegetable , mushroom or meat broth, spices or decoctions of herbs.
2. Soak the meat in this solution for at least 30 minutes to fully swell. You can leave it overnight in cold boiled water or broth. It is important to take into account the fact that due to the absorption of water during swelling, it will increase in weight by 2.5-4 times (depending on the texture).
3. After complete swelling, it is necessary to drain the excess liquid.

The package must contain instructions on how to cook soy meat, as well as the degree of its swelling. If suddenly you miscalculated and the meat turned out to be too much, do not worry, because swollen soy meat can be frozen for long-term storage.

So, to prepare a delicious soy meat dish, we need: a pack of soy product, carrots, onions, vegetable sauce, garlic, red pepper, vinegar and sugar.

Pour boiling water over the meat and let it brew for half an hour, you can weld it a little. While the meat swells, it is necessary to peel and cut the carrots and onions. After the meat is swollen, it is necessary to squeeze it out, if it was cooked - pre-rinse under running water. After that, it is necessary to cut the meat into strips and fry it in a large amount of onions and carrots, with the addition of soy sauce. 5 minutes before cooking, add garlic, vinegar and to taste.

Chinese oilseed peas or soybeans are very widespread in the world. Vegetarians often include it in their menu, as it consists of almost half of healthy proteins. Let's take a closer look at this product.

The benefits of soy meat

Among the components of soy contains many useful substances. It consists of 40% proteins, and fats and carbohydrate components in this product are 20% each. The remaining 10% is divided between ash and fibers.

People with intolerance to animal proteins, including milk intolerance, often include soy meat in their menu. It can be used by people who are overweight, as well as patients with diabetes. It is useful to eat soy meat in the presence of such ailments:

• Arthritis and other joint diseases.
• Allergy of a different kind.
• Atherosclerosis and diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
• Cholecystitis.
• Excess weight.
• Diabetes.

Soy meat is also beneficial for cleansing the body of heavy metals and radionuclides. Lecithin, which is present among the components of soy, is favorable for maintaining the youth of organs and their systems, especially for rejuvenating the structure of the brain.

Soy is especially recommended for a woman's body. It contains isoflavones, which have an effect similar to the effect of drugs prescribed for breast cancer. The only difference is that the components contained in soy do not have side effects. In addition, isoflavones lengthen the menstrual cycle, which is also beneficial in preventing cancer. This is explained by the fact that during the days of menstruation, a lot of estrogen is released, which provokes the disease.

Daily use of soy increases the duration of the cycle by 4 days. This reduces the production of estrogen and prevents the development of cancer. In addition, soy is recommended to be consumed during menopause. With its help, it is easier to endure the tides. Soy contains a lot of calcium. This is beneficial in terms of preventing osteoporosis, which often develops during menopause.

Soy is great for women who want to lose weight. Lecithin, found in soy, is favorable for burning fat deposits and prevents them from accumulating in the liver.

Harm of soy meat

Soy has not only positive qualities. From its use there may be an adverse effect in some cases. For example, if a person consumes dishes from soybeans that have undergone genetic modification. If soy meat is made from natural and high-quality raw materials, it will not bring harm. But some experts argue that excessive amounts of soy can cause changes in the thyroid gland, as well as adversely affect the growth of the child.

Pregnant women should not eat too much soy meat, as it has a bad effect on the activity of the glands. A large amount of this product sometimes has a bad effect on the activity of the kidneys, as it contains oxalic acid.

How is soy meat made?

Soy beans are needed to produce soy meat. They are ground into flour and degreased. Then dough is made from flour and other components, which is then boiled in a special way.

As a result of this process, a mass is formed that is similar to a sponge and has an irregular shape. Then the mass is cut into pieces and dried. Pieces can be of different sizes. Goulash is made from large ones, and flakes are made from smaller pieces. Very small go to the production of minced meat.

Often flour is replaced with soybean meal. It is a by-product that is obtained during the production of soybean oil. As an additive, extracts of oat seeds, wheat grains, corn, or vegetables may be included in soy meat. These additives can improve the palatability of soy meat.

What to cook with soy meat

If you decide to cook a dish of soy meat, for starters, the semi-finished product must be soaked in water or simply boiled. This initial treatment allows moisture to saturate the dry product. Soy meat fibers absorb moisture and increase in volume. If you decide to cook soy meat, then be sure to add seasonings to improve the taste of the product. When cooked, soy meat expands in volume by about three times.

Having prepared a semi-finished product in this way, you can use it to create many delicious dishes. For example, a salad with the addition of soy meat is very tasty. It is great for those who adhere to the principles of vegetarianism or on fasting days. This dish can be consumed both on its own and as a snack.

For this salad, soak 100 g of soybeans in hot water and leave for 10-20 minutes. To improve the taste of finished soy meat, it is better to add a little ground pepper, a spoonful of tomato paste and salt to hot water. After that, the soaked pieces should be transferred to another bowl and do the rest of the salad ingredients. One large must be peeled and rubbed on a special grater. After that, the prepared vegetable should be sprinkled with seasoning for Korean carrots and mashed a little.

Sweet peppers need to be cut into small pieces or strips, then carrots and soy are added to it. The salad is dressed with a small amount of vegetable oil and spices. Additionally, you can add croutons and greens.

First of all, unthinkable properties are attributed to soy by irreconcilable opponents: vegans and meat-eaters. Each side is trying to win an endless dispute, sometimes appealing to unverified, distorted information.

Today, almost everyone eats soy voluntarily or involuntarily. Even convinced meat-eaters, when they feast on sausages and sausage sandwiches.

Many are annoyed by the imposition of this product, so people compensate for the annoyance by writing legends at their leisure. On the other hand, manufacturers who add soy to their meat products are trying to justify that it is incredibly useful.

If we judge, then the harm of "vegetable meat" is somewhat exaggerated, as well as the benefits. Asians have long included soy products in their diet. At the same time, Asia has a high birth rate and many centenarians. This means that soy can in no way be harmful to health if taken wisely. On the other hand, people in the East also suffer from cancer and other serious diseases, albeit to a lesser extent. Therefore, soy cannot be declared a panacea for all ailments known to science.

Mechanisms of influence

Relationship with fertility

As scientists found in August 2015, it is better not to consume soy products in large quantities when planning a pregnancy.

One of the components of the vegetable analogue of meat - genistein - harms the female body, as it disrupts the process of maturation of eggs and leads to a failure of the menstrual cycle. Doctors tested the effect of this substance in the experiment with laboratory mice, but in the future they are going to study in detail how it affects women's health.

Effect on cholesterol levels

In 2001, American scientists found that daily consumption of 25 g of soy products leads to a gradual decrease in blood cholesterol levels and has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system. The information was rechecked and confirmed by researchers from Britain.

On the other hand, soy contains hemagglutinin, which provokes the "clumping" of red blood cells. In theory, it can contribute to the formation of cholesterol plaques in the vessels, especially if other risk factors for atherosclerosis are present.

Soy and oncology

Soy genistein has been scientifically proven to reduce the risk of developing and recurring breast cancer. The study found that women with breast tumors often do not take soy meat or soy-based supplements. Experiments were also carried out on mice. As a result, scientists came to the conclusion that genistein is able to “turn on” immune antitumor responses.

On the other hand, some pundits argue that soy consumption provokes the development of certain types of tumors.

Harm during pregnancy

Experts are increasingly saying that soy should not be eaten during pregnancy. There is evidence that it negatively affects both the course of pregnancy and the health of the fetus.

Soy products can provoke an abortion or premature birth, as well as cause pathological changes in the baby's body.

Medical experts note that it is advisable for women planning to have a baby to refuse such food 3 months before the intended conception. According to some reports, soy also slows down growth processes. Therefore, nursing mothers should also refrain from it.

Diet product or another snag

Soy meat has no fat and is very nutritious. In addition, it contains a large amount of protein, although it is not well absorbed by the human body. Therefore, soy meat cannot serve as a substitute for beef or chicken.

People who want to lose weight should not completely switch to such food. But you can alternate the boiled turkey breast and chicken with "vegetable meat". In general, the product cannot be considered the basis of dietary or sports nutrition. After all, its use does not really affect weight.

With menopause

Many women claim that soy meat helps to endure menopause more easily. But due to what - the high level of the plant analogue of estrogen or the power of the placebo - is a big question.

On the one hand, phytoestrogens are designed to normalize the level of female hormones and soothe hot flashes. They should also support a woman's desire to make love. But so far, numerous studies have not revealed the ability of soy meat to alleviate the symptoms of menopause.

Harm for men

What doctors are sure of for sure is that men should not eat a lot of soy meat. It has been found that:

• reduces sexual desire;
• contributes to the appearance of fat deposits in the waist area and the formation of a female type of breast;
• prevents erection and ejaculation;
• reduces testosterone levels;
• provokes mood swings.

And all this is caused, again, by the presence of plant "female hormones".

danger to the thyroid gland

The harm of soy meat for people with thyroid diseases is obvious. It negatively affects the functioning of the thyroid gland, disrupts the hormonal background, and prevents the absorption of iodine.

Healthy people also do not need to eat soybean products in large quantities or compensate for their frequent consumption with high levels of iodine in the diet.

Drawing conclusions

While scientists publish absolutely mutually exclusive conclusions about the properties of soy meat, it is extremely difficult to “catch” a grain of truth from this informational noise. The following points are precisely known.

Soy should not be consumed:

• women who have problems with women's health, but plan to become pregnant;
• pregnant women;
• with urolithiasis;
• with diseases of the thyroid gland;
• people with iodine deficiency;
• men with poor sperm motility and low testosterone who experience problems sexually.

Soy meat should be eaten with caution:

• people with a genetic predisposition to the development of cancer;
• men who have a tendency to form a female type of figure;
• children and teenagers.

The main secret

In all the heated debate about the properties of soy, people forget one important point. Soy meat is not a medicine, not a poison, but a food that people eat to get pleasure and cope with hunger, and not at all to cure a tumor. The use of soy for purely gastronomic purposes will bring you benefits and joy.

Do not forget that any food - soy, meat, salt, sugar, even apples - can harm the body. This can happen if one food crowds out others from the diet.

After all, nutrition should be varied and balanced. That is why you should not be zealous in eating soy, as well as replacing meat or other sources of protein with it.

It must be understood that soy meat has a vegetable basis. And its benefits and harms depend on where the plant grew. If in unfavorable conditions, the beans could absorb a lot of toxins.

1. If you do not eat meat, do not give up soy after reading horror stories about its dangers.
2. If, on the contrary, you love meat and cannot live without it, do not forget to sometimes replace beef and pork dishes with soy products in order to “unload” the body a little.
3. Do not eat this product in an amount greater than 100 g per day. Moreover, in the daily portion, it is necessary to take into account not only the weight of the cooked soy meat dish, but also the “hidden” soy - in sausage, pates, sausages, etc.
4. Even for vegans, soy is not recommended for daily consumption, but it is better to alternate it with other sources of high-quality protein, such as lentils, nuts and chickpeas.

Today, dumplings, cutlets, sausages, canned meat from soybeans are filled to the limit with store shelves and markets, although no one really knows that soy meat can be both beneficial and harmful for different categories of people.

It is useful for menopausal women. Consumption of it in large quantities has a negative effect on men, old men and old women. Meat from soy is harmful to pregnant women, nursing mothers. It is strictly forbidden to eat soy products for people with thyroid disease and children.

Soybeans will not bring any harm to healthy people if they are consumed occasionally and little by little.

Never buy soy products from unknown manufacturers, they are not healthy and beneficial, but irreparable harm!

Soy raw materials, especially fodder and genetically modified ones, are cheap, they are certainly harmful to humans, but some unscrupulous producers, in the eternal pursuit of profits, are in no hurry to make this meat from natural healthy soybeans.

It is impossible to call even a well-made soy product a full-fledged analogue of real meat products, but their popularity is growing along with the rise in prices for natural meat.

Therefore, when choosing, carefully read its appearance, packaging method, composition:

• If the label says that the product is made from defatted soy flour, then its nutritional value is low, one of the advantages of soy is the presence of fatty acids useful for humans. It is better to buy a package labeled "soy concentrate", in which the content of vegetable fats is at least 30%, and proteins are 48 grams. in 100 gr. products.
• If calcium hydroxide is indicated in the composition as a thickener and chloride flavor enhancers used for bleaching, be aware that such soy products will not benefit, but harm: they can become a source of a severe allergic reaction due to individual intolerance to their body.
• Each of the fortifiers can cause irreparable harm, so nutritionists recommend choosing soy meat with a nondescript gray hue with a minimum number of flavoring ingredients.

Who benefits from soy meat

Numerous disputes of scientists on the topic: whether soy products bring benefits or harm to a person have not stopped for many years.

What are the benefits of soy meat?

The main benefits of using it are:

• soy has a large (50%) amount of natural vegetable proteins, which are vital for the growth, development and renewal of every cell of the body;
• it has a very high content of natural numerous vitamins: A, B, C, D, as well as essential fatty acids, mineral and other biologically active elements. Without which a good metabolism is impossible, and, as a result, excellent health;
• soy meat is useful for women for the prevention of breast cancer, as well as for soybeans, since soybeans contain an analogue of the female hormone testosterone and flavonoids;
• it does not contain cholesterol, rich in lecithin and acids, which leads to a remarkable prevention of vascular heart diseases, improving the functioning of brain cells and the nervous system;
• such meat is recommended for use in the treatment of very serious serious diseases: atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes mellitus;
• it is useful to eat it for people with a sick musculoskeletal system;
• An analogue of meat is indispensable for those people who are strictly forbidden to eat natural dairy and meat products.

Soy is considered an anti-allergenic product, but there are cases of individual intolerance, therefore, for any existing disease, to decide whether soy products will bring you benefit or harm, consultation with an allergist is important.

For whom soy meat is contraindicated

• Small children, due to the fact that hormonal disorders can occur, causing developmental delay among boys, and accelerated puberty in girls.
• People suffering from diseases of the endocrine system of the thyroid gland, especially children.
• Pregnant women and lactating mothers.
• Men for whom an excess of phytoestrogens, which affect potency and libido, is harmful.
• For the elderly, soy meat is not recommended for the reason that Alzheimer's disease can develop, with complete memory loss.

Without exception, soy products are harmful to everyone, which are made from the so-called technical soybeans grown on soils, with contamination from heavy metals or radionuclides.

The fact is that soy draws out pollutants, absorbs and retains for a long time. Flour from such beans is poisonous to humans.

Unfortunately, it happens that, having visited a cafe or other catering establishment, a person does not even realize that instead of a dish of natural meat, goulash or soy flour steak was served to the table.

Soy is a plant from the legume family. The birthplace of the culture is China, where vast areas of plant cultivation have been preserved to this day. The development of this culture in Europe is very high, given the fact that the plant became known to us only in the 18th century.

The main component of the product is soy flour. The product has a huge amount of vitamins and minerals. Only 100 gr. The product contains a sufficient amount of vitamin B, the benefits of which are enough for the whole day. Vitamin E is contained in 115%, even more than the daily allowance for an adult. Minerals include manganese, potassium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.

Important! This product has a high energy value. A dry product has a calorie content of 280 units. per 100 gr. This figure is only 100 calories higher than that of chicken or beef. The energy value of the product is very close to pork. All these characteristics are inherent in the soy meat granules from which the product is prepared.

The finished dish somewhat loses its calorie content, but not good, because the swelling granules increase in volume. As a result, soy meat, calorie content per 100 grams is only 100 units.

The benefits of soy meat for men and women

It is not always possible to determine by taste alone what a steak or flying is prepared from. Soy is an excellent substitute for meat in terms of taste and is suitable for consumption even by vegetarians. Such a product has positive properties for the body, among which it is worth noting:

1. beneficial effect on the intestines;
2. regulation of the nervous system;
3. a moderate amount acts as a preventive measure with diseases of the cardiovascular system;
4. positively affects mental activity;
5. relieves the symptoms of menopause and improves the menstrual cycle;
6. prevention for osteoporosis;
7. slows down aging due to the high content of vitamin E;
8. high dietary properties.

Dietary soy meat, in addition to its beneficial properties, can also cause some harm to the human body:

• contains substances that affect the endocrine system;
• is a strong allergenic product;
• high protein content, which is poorly absorbed;
• frequent use leads to the formation of sand in the kidneys;
• prohibited for use by people suffering from gastritis.

For women, it is harmful during the period of bearing a child and during lactation. At a young age, it leads to the rapid onset of menstruation. In men, the use of soy meat in uncontrolled amounts leads to malfunctions in the reproductive system, lowers sexual desire, and lowers testosterone levels.

Can soy meat be pregnant and lactating

The nutrition of the expectant mother should exclude soy products. During planning, you need to completely abandon such products, it is also recommended to do this in the 1st trimester of pregnancy. In the rest of the period, you can eat such a product in small quantities and only a few times a week.

Is it possible to give soy meat to children

In no case should the product be given to babies under 5 years of age. For infants, soy products are completely prohibited, for them breast milk should act as protein, and at an older age, only turkey, rabbit or beef puree should be given. Soy meat is introduced into the children's diet no earlier than 5 years, given in the form of cutlets, goulash and other things.

Daily intake

Women are allowed to use only 100 gr. product 3 times a week. Men can use the same amount of the product, but only once a week. Do not forget that such dishes should be eaten at least 4 hours before going to bed.

The use of soy meat for certain diseases:

The use of the product in the diet should be carried out very carefully if a person has any diseases. In this case, the product can often bring a beneficial effect to the patient's condition.

With diabetes

The dietary product is ideal for patients with diabetes mellitus, for whom it is important to restore disrupted metabolism. Soy meat, which has minimal carbohydrates, is ideal for diabetics.

For gastritis and pancreatitis

In chronic gastritis, the product is allowed to be used, but it is better to eat it in the morning. With pancreatitis, the product is allowed only after the acute form subsides. It is best to boil meat in vegetable broth or plain water with salt added.

With cholecystitis

With chronic cholecystitis, soy meat will be extremely useful. The product can only be eaten boiled or as low-fat broths.

The benefits of soy meat for weight loss

In order for soy products to be useful in a diet, they must be properly prepared. It is best to stew, boil or bake such meat in the oven. Do not ignore the liquid in which soybeans are soaked before cooking. It is better if it is low-fat or even vegetable broth.

Important! For good assimilation of the product, you need to use it correctly. Do not eat together soy meat with animal products or legumes.

You can use any type of vegetable as a side dish. Soy meat on the Dukan diet is completely allowed for consumption and is healthy at the same time. The only thing that is important to observe is the time of eating such a product, it can be eaten no later than 4 hours before bedtime.

Soy meat when drying the body

When drying the body, almost everything that is so important to the human body is excluded. A dietary dish is allowed to be consumed during this period, due to its beneficial properties. Frequent eating leads to rapid weight loss, while amino acids do not allow muscles to disappear. Replacing soy meat with something in this case can be difficult.

How to cook delicious soy meat at home

An incredible number of dishes can be prepared from this product. It can be eaten after normal cooking or pre-soaking, it has almost no taste of its own, so it is advisable to use a variety of spices. Here is an example of one of the popular recipes.

1. To make a marinade, you need to mix a few tablespoons of sugar, half a spoon of coriander, red pepper and vinegar.
2. Grate a few large carrots on a special grater and add garlic to taste.
3. Pour marinade over carrots and refrigerate.
4. 100 gr. Boil soybean granules in salted water.
5. Drain in a colander and let the meat cool.
6. Mix vegetables and meat and refrigerate for at least 10 hours.

Harm of soy meat and contraindications for use

As contraindications for use, it is worth noting:

• Little age. Do not give the product to teenagers and young children, especially under the age of five.
• Diseases of the endocrine system. Substances in this product can inhibit the production of hormones and be harmful.
• Stones in the kidneys. Substances in the composition lead to the formation of sand and new kidney stones.
• Pregnancy.

In addition to contraindications, there are also harmful properties for the human organism. For example, the product can provoke severe rashes, because it is a strong allergen. If you use the product without any control, the body loses the ability to absorb protein.

How to select and store soy meat

Modern stores offer a huge variety of soy meat options. The production of the product takes place in the form of pieces for goulash, granules for minced meat or special, meat fibers. Among the selection rules, it is worth noting ignoring a suspiciously cheap product, most likely it will be of poor quality and not have useful properties. You should not take a product with the addition of some kind of taste, it is better to purchase the classic version.

Useful properties are stored for 12 months. Store meat in a closed container and only in a dark and cool place so as not to harm the product. Cooked meals are stored in the refrigerator for 3 days, but they can be safely frozen.

Many do not treat soy meat as a complete product and believe that it does not have any beneficial properties at all. However, the benefits and harms of soy meat have already been proven by science. Many people have already replaced our usual pork, beef and other meats with a soy product.