{"id":669,"date":"2021-04-02T15:26:30","date_gmt":"2021-04-02T15:26:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/?p=669"},"modified":"2021-04-02T15:26:31","modified_gmt":"2021-04-02T15:26:31","slug":"tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/","title":{"rendered":"tempeh: 15 Reasons you should try it"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Tempeh is a traditional food from Indonesia, which consists of fermented soybeans. Soybeans are a member of the legume family, so this makes tempeh a legume, too. It looks like a firm, white block of tofu, but with a slightly bitter taste and a richer texture. Like tofu, tempeh is a good source of protein. However, tempeh provides additional health benefits. For example, compared to tofu, tempeh contains more of the dietary fiber, vitamin B 12, and vitamin K.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65f80bed0cf93\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-65f80bed0cf93\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#1_Tempeh_is_high_in_protein\" title=\"1. Tempeh is high in protein\">1. Tempeh is high in protein<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#2_Tempeh_has_a_nutty_mushroomy_taste\" title=\"2. Tempeh has a nutty, mushroomy taste\">2. Tempeh has a nutty, mushroomy taste<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#3_Tempeh_has_a_mild_taste\" title=\"3. Tempeh has a mild taste\">3. Tempeh has a mild taste<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#4_Tempeh_is_versatile\" title=\"4. Tempeh is versatile\">4. Tempeh is versatile<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#5_Tempeh_is_easier_to_digest\" title=\"5. Tempeh is easier to digest\">5. Tempeh is easier to digest<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#6_Tempeh_contains_healthy_probiotics\" title=\"6. Tempeh contains healthy probiotics\">6. Tempeh contains healthy probiotics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#7_Tempeh_is_the_perfect_food_for_a_vegetarian_or_vegan\" title=\"7. Tempeh is the perfect food for a vegetarian or vegan\">7. Tempeh is the perfect food for a vegetarian or vegan<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#8_Tempeh_is_high_in_minerals_like_calcium_zinc_and_magnesium\" title=\"8. Tempeh is high in minerals like calcium, zinc, and magnesium\">8. Tempeh is high in minerals like calcium, zinc, and magnesium<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#9_Tempeh_is_a_good_source_of_complex_carbs\" title=\"9. Tempeh is a good source of complex carbs\">9. Tempeh is a good source of complex carbs<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#10_Tempeh_is_a_good_source_of_dietary_fiber\" title=\"10. Tempeh is a good source of dietary fiber\">10. Tempeh is a good source of dietary fiber<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#11_Tempeh_is_a_good_source_of_vitamin_A_vitamin_K_and_iron\" title=\"11. Tempeh is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron\">11. Tempeh is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#12_Tempeh_contains_B12\" title=\"12. Tempeh contains B12\">12. Tempeh contains B12<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#13_Tempeh_helps_you_lose_weight\" title=\"13. Tempeh helps you lose weight\">13. Tempeh helps you lose weight<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#14_Tempeh_is_good_for_your_heart\" title=\"14. Tempeh is good for your heart\">14. Tempeh is good for your heart<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#15_Tempeh_has_a_strong_nutritional_profile\" title=\"15. Tempeh has a strong nutritional profile\">15. Tempeh has a strong nutritional profile<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/tempeh-15-reasons-you-should-try-it\/#Finally\" title=\"Finally\">Finally<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Tempeh_is_high_in_protein\"><\/span>1. Tempeh is high in protein<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempeh is high in protein because it is a soy product and soy protein contains all of the essential amino acids. Therefore, tempeh can serve as a complete protein source for vegetarians and vegans. Tempeh has twice as much protein as tofu and three times more than seitan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Tempeh_has_a_nutty_mushroomy_taste\"><\/span>2. Tempeh has a nutty, mushroomy taste<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempeh is a soybean product with a distinctive nutty, mushroomy taste. It\u2019s made by a natural culturing and controlled fermentation process that binds soybeans into a cake form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/7-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-775\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/7-2.png 800w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/7-2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/7-2-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/7-2-750x563.png 750w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/7-2-500x375.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Tempeh_has_a_mild_taste\"><\/span>3. Tempeh has a mild taste<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempeh has a milder taste which makes it a perfect starter food for anyone who finds soy products too strong. It is also easy to crumble and add to dishes like pasta, chili, or even vegan meatloaf. There are also many delicious marinades that can be used on tempeh that will allow you make it look and taste like bacon or chicken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Tempeh_is_versatile\"><\/span>4. Tempeh is versatile<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It can be used in place of tofu in recipes for stir-frys, barbecue sauce, or creamy sauces. You can make tacos with it. You can make stir fry with it. You can bake with it. You can marinate it with caramelized onions and balsamic vinegar. You can crumble it up, saut\u00e9 it with olive oil and Italian spices, put it in a panini with vegan cheese, roasted red peppers and fresh arugula. You can add it to spaghetti sauce. You can toss some into your chili when you are making chili.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Tempeh_is_easier_to_digest\"><\/span>5. Tempeh is easier to digest<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Compared to meat, tempeh breaks down more easily in the digestive tract because its protein is already partially broken down during the fermentation process. The soy protein in tempeh is partially broken down during the fermentation process. This makes it easier to digest and you feel lighter after a meal with tempeh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Tempeh_contains_healthy_probiotics\"><\/span>6. Tempeh contains healthy probiotics<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Like yogurt, tempeh (made from fermented soybeans) contains healthy probiotics.<br>The probiotics in tempeh are lactic acid bacteria, which include lactobacillus and bifidobacterium species. Probiotics are &#8220;friendly&#8221; bacteria that may improve gastrointestinal health. Some lactic acid bacteria may be effective against diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and other gastrointestinal problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Tempeh_is_the_perfect_food_for_a_vegetarian_or_vegan\"><\/span>7. Tempeh is the perfect food for a vegetarian or vegan<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempeh has a good nutritional profile that is comparable to animal products like meat and milk, so it\u2019s a great source of protein if you\u2019re vegetarian or vegan! Tempeh, as mentioned above, is the perfect food for vegetarians because it is high in protein. Tempeh contains all of the essential amino acids (meaning that tempeh can serve as a complete protein source for vegetarians and vegans). It also has vitamin B 12 and vitamin K which are important for maintaining a good vascular system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/8-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-776\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/8-2.png 800w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/8-2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/8-2-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/8-2-750x563.png 750w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/8-2-500x375.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_Tempeh_is_high_in_minerals_like_calcium_zinc_and_magnesium\"><\/span>8. Tempeh is high in minerals like calcium, zinc, and magnesium<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It contains a variety of minerals that other soy products do not contain. These include iron, copper, phosphorus, luminescent phytate which may help to prevent bone loss (especially important for women), and magnesium which may maintain healthy bones and aids in building strong muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Tempeh_is_a_good_source_of_complex_carbs\"><\/span>9. Tempeh is a good source of complex carbs<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The fermentation process binds soybeans into a cake form. Soaking and cooking beans helps to break down the cell walls, making them easier to digest. The fermentation process also breaks down some of the carbohydrates, which makes tempeh a good source of complex carbs. The complex carbohydrates in tempeh are good because they can help with weight loss and heart disease, they are the perfect food for people who have diabetes and they also have more fiber than any other carbohydrate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Tempeh_is_a_good_source_of_dietary_fiber\"><\/span>10. Tempeh is a good source of dietary fiber<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempeh contains significant amounts of dietary fiber that lowers cholesterol levels and helps prevent heart disease. Dietary fiber is the indigestible part of carbohydrates, which are found in plant foods. Some types of dietary fiber contain prebiotics, which help promote good bacteria growth in your gut. More importantly, dietary fiber can help reduce weight gain and prevent obesity in some cases. Additionally, this type of fiber can help reduce blood cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, not all types of dietary fiber are beneficial. In fact, for many people, insoluble dietary fibers may cause digestive problems rather than relieve them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"11_Tempeh_is_a_good_source_of_vitamin_A_vitamin_K_and_iron\"><\/span>11. Tempeh is a good source of vitamin A, vitamin K, and iron<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, it provides about half the daily recommended intake of vitamin A. Furthermore, it has more than double the amount of Vitamin K than tofu. Similarly, tempeh contains up to six times more iron than tofu or seitan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/9-2.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-777\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/9-2.png 800w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/9-2-300x225.png 300w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/9-2-768x576.png 768w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/9-2-750x563.png 750w, https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/9-2-500x375.png 500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 400px) 100vw, 400px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"12_Tempeh_contains_B12\"><\/span>12. Tempeh contains B12<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempeh contains B12 which can be hard to find in a vegetarian diet (the best sources are meat and eggs). B12 is an important nutrient that helps to maintain energy levels, promotes a healthy heart, and reduces tiredness on a daily basis. B12 helps the body to produce red blood cells, which improves oxygen delivery throughout the body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"13_Tempeh_helps_you_lose_weight\"><\/span>13. Tempeh helps you lose weight<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempeh is high in fiber, which helps you to feel fuller longer. Besides that, it has a nutty flavor and a mild taste which makes it an easy starter food for anyone who is transitioning from other soy products.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some tempeh contains lactic acid bacteria, known as probiotics, which can help with weight loss. Probiotics are &#8220;friendly&#8221; bacteria that may improve gastrointestinal health; some lactic acid bacterial may be effective against diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis and other gastrointestinal problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to this they make the body absorb nutrients more easily by regulating the manufacture of pancreatic enzymes and improving the absorption of amino acids in the intestine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"14_Tempeh_is_good_for_your_heart\"><\/span>14. Tempeh is good for your heart<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Tempeh is good for your heart because it contains B12 which can help with weight loss. More importantly, dietary fiber can help reduce weight gain and prevent obesity in some cases. As mentioned earlier, dietary fiber can also help reduce blood cholesterol levels and decrease the risk of heart disease and stroke. Finally, less people may find insoluble dietary fibers to be beneficial due to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or bloating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"15_Tempeh_has_a_strong_nutritional_profile\"><\/span>15. Tempeh has a strong nutritional profile<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One cup of tempeh usually contains about 319 calories, 34 grams of protein, 18 grams of fat, 184 milligrams of calcium, 4.5 milligrams of iron, and is a good source of magnesium and Vitamin B6.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finally\"><\/span>Finally<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Check the nutrition label with tempeh. If it\u2019s had grain added, people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid that variety and look for another preparation. It\u2019s also not for those with soy allergies, of course. It\u2019s great for a dairy-free or lactose-intolerant diet because of the added calcium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><br>\u2003<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3037,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11,13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/669"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=669"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/669\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3037"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=669"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=669"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/foodiechamp.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=669"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}