People often replace soy foods as replacement with non-healthy diets. Why? Because it is an answer to all vegetarians, who are concerned about not getting essential amino acids, a nutrient, which meat-eaters usually receive by consuming animal products. More soy intake in your diet will help you to cut blood cholesterol levels as well as reduce certain cancer risks. Here are a few tips on how to increase soy intake in your diet.

Regularly drink soymilk: The easiest way to increase soy intake in your daily diet is to start drinking soy milk or soybean milk regularly. To make this beverage, soybeans are first dried and then they are ground in water. Soymilk is considered equally healthy as cow’s milk as it contains the same proportion of protein, fat and carbohydrate. Most grocery stores keep flavored soy milk with extra vitamin and calcium contents. It is great source of isoflavones and B-vitamins. It is a boon for lactose intolerant people as it is free of milk sugar.

Often use tofu in recipes: Recipes made from tofu, if added in the daily diet can also increase soy intake. Soymilk is coagulated and pressed to make curds. It is often called bean curd. Tofu has a very mild smell of its own, hence, both sweet and savory dishes use it as a healthy ingredient. Thin slices of tofu also make an excellent sandwich – healthy yet tasty. Another way of using tofu in a sandwich is to chop it and mix it with finely chopped boiled egg, celery and mayonnaise. Use soft silken tofu in banana or mango smoothies.

Soy nuts: Soy nuts can be added while making cookies or tofu can be used in place of cream cheese while making cheesecake. Use roasted soy nuts in salads and soynut butter instead of regular or peanut butter.

Tempeh, tofu in meatless recipes: Use tempeh, textured vegetable protein or textured soy protein in meatless stews and soups. You can also grill tempeh and tofu and eat them as snacks or with main menu. Some other soy alternatives are tofu sausages, soy burgers and soy hot dogs.

Image Credit:  al.godsdirectcontact; wikipedia