What Are the Benefits of Fermented Soy?

Some people don't realize that if they want the maximum health benefits that are attributed to soy, they need to eat fermented foods like tempeh and miso, instead of the unfermented variety, like tofu and soy milk. In their natural form, soybeans contain phytate, an anti-nutrient that can cause digestive distress. Fermentation breaks down the phytate content.

Menopause

• Fermented soy contains phytoestrogens, which can act like estrogen in your body. Women who are menopausal may relieve side effects like hot flashes and night sweats by eating such foods.

Longevity

• According to JivaSupplements.org, people living in Asia have better longevity compared to citizens living in Western cultures like the U.S., due to fermented soy being a regular part of their diet.

Inflammation

• People who suffer from inflammation can get some relief by eating fermented soy products, which increase the hyaluronic acid in your body that's needed for lubricating your joints.

Nutrition

• When soy is fermented, it makes its nutrients more soluble (better able to dissolve in water), thus enabling your body to absorb more of its important minerals like calcium, magnesium and zinc.

Digestion

• Because the fermentation process breaks down the protein in soy into small pieces, it's easier to digest fermented soy than non-fermented soy foods.