5 health benefits of tempeh

Tempeh is the kind of food that never leaves you feeling guilty after you have eaten it. In addition to being easy to cook, it contains many virtues that make it a superfood to consume daily.

Tempeh is traditionally made from soybeans. In these seeds, we find plant compounds called isoflavones, a natural chemical substance derived from plants. Several studies have correlated the consumption of soy isoflavones with a reduction in cholesterol levels. A scientific review published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition has evaluated 11 studies conducted between 1990 and 2006 and found that soy isoflavones were able to significantly reduce both total and LDL (bad) cholesterol.

Tempeh contains manganese, a nutrient that is involved in many aspects of our health, such as collagen synthesis, bone and joint construction, but especially in the fight against diabetes. It has been shown that manganese is necessary for the production of digestive enzymes responsible for the process called gluconeogenesis. This process helps prevent excessively high blood sugar levels that can contribute to diabetes.

Tempeh is a fermented food, and therefore contains probiotics which are the bacteria that make up our intestinal flora. These bacteria play an essential role in the digestion of the food we eat. They also serve to protect the immune system and the intestinal mucosa against pathogenic bacteria such as salmonella and E. Coli bacteria.

100g of tempeh is equivalent to about 11mg of calcium, which makes it a good source of calcium, a mineral that contributes to bone strength and density.

Adequate calcium intake helps prevent the development of osteoporosis, an infection associated with bone loss and porous bones.

Although dairy products are known to be a good source of protein, studies have shown that the calcium contained in tempeh can be as well absorbed by the bones as the calcium present in dairy products. This makes it an excellent nutritional option if you want to increase your calcium intake.

Animal products consumed in large quantities can affect our cardiovascular health. The positive effects of tempeh on cardiovascular health come from the fact that tempeh contains a protein level as high as meat, and can therefore be a significant substitute for meat.

THÉRAPEUTES MAGAZINE, (ref March 4, 2022), 7 bienfaits du Tempeh + valeur nutritionnelle + Recettes + tout ce que vous devez savoir [online], URL: https://therapeutesmagazine.com/7-bienfaits-tempeh-valeur-nutritionnelle-recettes-devez-savoir/

LINK, Rachel. (ref March 4, 2022), Why tempeh is incredibly healthy and delicious [online], URL: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tempeh#about-tempeh