Soy Power,,,

The Food and Drug Administration says products containing soy protein may lower cholesterol levels, which can lead to a reduced risk of heart disease and strokes.

Until recently in this country, the whole soybean didn’t appear on too many dinner plates, however, that is changing. As exemplified In the newest cookbook manuscript that we’re about to deliver to Simon & Schuster, soybeans are definitely starting to appear in their whole form, especially at trendy restaurants both here and aboard. To a lot of us, though, when soy comes to mind, we think of tofu. It’s true that tofu doesn’t have much flavor, but it absorbs flavors of other foods like a sponge. Use tofu in your favorite recipes like soup, stir-fries, chili, or lasagna in place of and as a way to add protein while reducing the use of animal protein. The tofu will soak up the savory flavors of the surrounding vegetables and sauces to produce a tasty dish.

Soy protein provides antioxidants that can reduce artery-clogging plaque and thus be beneficial for high blood pressure. There is also evidence that soy protein can enhance the body’s ability to retain and better absorb calcium in the bones.

In her book, Virtues of Soy: A Practical Healthy Guide and Cookbook, author Monique N. Gilbert, also claims that soy’s isoflavones help the body regulate estrogen when this hormone is declining or fluctuating, which helps alleviate many menopausal and PMS symptoms. You can read more of her claims and see the scope of her soy recipes by visiting her soy website at www.virtuesofsoy.com.

For years, vegetarians have used textured soy protein (or textured vegetable protein), a dehydrated, granular form of soy, as a meat substitute. It is the main ingredient in veggie burgers and other meat-like products. To add soy power to home-baked goods, you can substitute some of the all-purpose flour called for in a recipe with up to 15% soy flour. Soy flour can also be used to thicken sauces and gravies. The more common soy products-tofu, soymilk, soy burgers, and the like—can be found in your local supermarket. For soy flour, soy nuts, textured soy protein, and soy nut butter, look in your health foods,
The Joslin Healthy Carbohydrate Cookbook (Fireside/Simon & Schuster).:

Vegetable Tofu Kebabs

(makes 4 servings)

12 ounces firm tofu, pressed and weighted, cut into cubes
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
2 cloves garlic, pressed or minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
freshly ground pepper to taste
1 medium red bell pepper, seeded, and cut into 8 squares
8 small button mushrooms
1 small yellow squash, cut into 8 slices
1 sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges

1. Place the tofu in a shallow dish. In a cup, whisk together the vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, oil, and pepper. Pour over the tofu and marinate for at least 1 hour, turning to coat each side.
2. Preheat the broiler.
3. Transfer the tofu to a paper towel to drain. Thread the tofu and vegetagles onto 8 skewers and lightly brush the vegetables with the marinade. Broil, turning the kebabs, until the vegetables are done, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning 4 times.

Per serving: 216 calories (42% calories from fat), 11 g total fat (2 g saturated fat), 11 g protein, 23 g carbohydrates, 4 g dietary fiber, 0 cholesterol, 287 mg sodium, 719 mg potassium
Joslin Choices: 1 low-fat protein, 1 carbohydrate (bread/starch), 1 vegetable, 1 fat