What You May Not Know About Tofu and Soy, Plus a Creamy Chocolate Raspberry Pie.

Soy in it’s Natural Form

A non-GMO form of soy is thought to be a great healthy food option for those people who have battled or are battling breast cancer. Eating soy regularly has actually been linked to a reduction in the risk of breast cancer. One possible explanation may be the phytonutrient genistein that is present in soy. Phytonutrients are derived from plants and responsible for lowering a person’s risk of many diseases which is why it’s suggested you should eat a variety of fruits and vegetables throughout the day. 

A Qualitarian Mindset

If you are looking for soy products, it’s most important to look for non-GMO and organic on the labels. Nearly 90% of soy in the U.S. is genetically modified and is often added to food products like protein bars and veggie burgers to increase the protein content (i.e. hydrolyzed soy protein or soy protein isolates). These concentrated, not-so-good, soy products are thought to actually stimulate the growth of cancer acting as an insulin-like growth factor.

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What to Look For

You don’t need to worry about all soy products. Traditionally prepared, whole soy foods can be a deliciously healthy option.

• Fermented soy products are the best and they even provide us with beneficial probiotics! The fermentation process reduces the levels of dangerous anti-nutrients.

• Choose organic and fermented soy such as miso paste and soup, even tempeh.

• Look for traditionally prepared and unpasteurized tamari.

• Organic tofu, edamame and soy milk products are high in protein and can be a great component of your healthy diet.

Raspberry Chocolate Pie

Ingredients

• 1 package silken tofu (shelf stable variety, not refrigerated because they taste funny)
• 1 generous cup chocolate chips; or your favorite crushed chocolate bars
• 2 teaspoons cacao powder
• 1/4 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
• 3 Tablespoons raspberry balsamic (you can also sub non dairy milk or maple syrup)
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• *optional stevia if the chocolate is just not cutting it for you

Directions

In a food processor, begin to process the tofu, balsamic, raspberries and vanilla until creamy.  Now you’ll add in the two teaspoons of cacao powder.  In a separate bowl carefully melt the chocolate.  You can do this over the stove top or pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds at a time (stir in between).  When the chocolate is nicely melted, add it to the food processor and blend, blend, blend.  All in all, this recipe takes about 5 minutes to make (and even less to consume, it’s yummy).

When you’ve finished, pour the contents of the food processor into a prepared pie crust and place in the fridge to cool for an hour or two.  This pie will freeze well, too!