Tempeh Health Risks Tempeh is one of the most popular meat substitutes on the market and a popular ingredient used in many Asian cuisines.
Nobody denies its health benefits or its delicious taste. However, there is a very heated debate about whether or not it can be consumed raw.
So is it possible to eat tempeh raw? While there are arguments on both sides about whether or not you can eat tempeh raw, it’s safer to cook your tempeh independently to avoid potential health risks.
Rather than risk raw tempeh, you can enjoy it in a delicious fully cooked meal or purchase pre-cooked tempeh. Trust us, you will still want it!
In this article, we will look at the evidence on both sides. However, we want to make it very clear that we always recommend taking the safest route possible when putting anything into your body.
TEMPEH HEALTH RISKS
- You have to avoid tempeh if you have a soy allergy because it causes thyroid dysfunctions
- you also have to avoid tempeh if you have some sort of thyroid dysfunction.
WHAT IS TEMPEH?
Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian product made from fermented soybeans. It is very popular in Western culture as part of meat-free diets such as veganism or vegetarianism.
If you are not familiar with tempeh, it is very similar to tofu. The main difference between tempeh and tofu is how they are prepared (tempeh is fermented). Tempeh also includes beneficial prebiotics.
Tempeh is a very versatile ingredient that can be used and prepared in many different ways and incorporated into many different meals.
IS TEMPEH BAD FOR YOU?
Tempeh is made from soybeans, which means its consumption can be a bit controversial.
Whether soy is bad for you, not at all, or in excess, is one of the oldest and most active debates since soy became mainstream.
While this article isn’t about soy itself, it is a factor to consider when discussing actually what tempeh is
We are not scientists or doctors, so we will only outline a couple of concerns about tempeh intake.
IT IS MADE FROM SOY PRODUCTS.
The exact reason some say you can’t have raw tempeh is the exact reason some say you can have raw tempeh.
Soybeans have many benefits, such as improving your digestive system and containing tons of nutrients.
Those who see this as a good reason to eat raw tempeh recommend consuming raw tempeh in moderation, as regulated by the FDA.
If you don’t have any other form of protein in your diet to make up for your daily intake, it would be in your best interest to find another to avoid consuming too much soy protein.
If you need some recommendations, we have an article on the best high-protein vegan yogurts.
EXCESSIVE CONSUMPTION
According to the FDA, you should only consume 25g of soy protein per day, which is equivalent to 125g of tempeh.
While that may not sound like much, if you don’t have any other form of protein in your diet other than tempeh, and only consume it as your primary source of protein, you could be suffering from soy side effects.
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