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Health & Fitness

Tempeh: What, How & Why ...plus a Great Recipe for Hearty-Tempeh Reuben Sandwiches

Where do you get your protein?Β This is by far the most common question asked to those who adhere to a plant-based diet. Although there are many answers to this question (examples: quinoa, lentils, beans, split peas, tofu, seeds, greens, etc.), my #1 favorite source of plant-based protein isΒ tempeh.

So what is tempeh, you ask?Β Tempeh is a traditional soy product that originated in Indonesia, and is made fromΒ whole soybeansΒ which are bound into a cake-like or loaf form through a natural fermentation process. I love itsΒ firm texture and earthy flavorΒ which is perfect for those times when I crave a hearty meal. Since tempeh retains the whole soybean when it’s made, it has a high content ofΒ protein, dietary fiber, and vitamins such as manganese and copper. In fact, it’s aΒ complete protein food that contains all the essential amino acids.Β 

Tempeh is full of healthy probiotics or β€œgood bacteria” which you would typically associate with yogurt because it’s fermented. The enzymes produced by tempeh’s fermentation processΒ helps your body fight bad bacteria,Β better absorb important nutrients like iron, and aid in the digestive process.Β 

Not only does tempeh’s fermentation process produce natural antibiotic agents, but it leaves desirable soy isoflavones intact. Soy isoflavones have many health benefits such asstrengthening bones, easing menopausal symptoms (I’m going to eat more!), and reducing risk of coronary heart disease and some cancers.Β 

Although I’ve always loved tempeh (even before I became vegan), I always found it a little tricky to prepare. I usually cut it into strips, marinate it in soy sauce, and pan-fry it with some garlic and onions.Β 

I thought it might be helpful if I provided you with theseΒ 5 Simple Ways To Prepare TempehΒ which I found on the website "The Kitchn" & also an awesome recipe for aΒ Hearty Reuben Tempeh Sandwich
atΒ Vegan American Princess:http://veganamericanprincess.com/the-health-benefits-of-tempeh-ways-to-prepare-it-and-hearty-tempeh-...

Ellen Francis

Vegan American Princess

Voted #2 in Skinny Scoop's Top 25 Vegan Blogs of 2013

Website:Β veganamericanprincess.com

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Twitter:Β @veganamprincess

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