The traditional saying, “Mgeni akija mkaribishe na chai”, is one familiar maxim that beautifully embodies our deep-rooted African tradition of welcoming visitors with tea, especially in Kenya. And it is usually mostly the tea leaves tea.
But have you ever wondered why, in almost every homestead, when an Adventist (SDA) visitor comes over, soya tea is the go-to? Well, we know that you know they say normal tea has drugs inside, but we are not going to talk about what you think today.
It turns out that taking soya tea is not only part of their healthy lifestyle but also has numerous other benefits that make it a great option and a healthy addition to their daily routines, research shows.
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What is Soya?
Soya, also called soybean, is a nutritious legume that originates from East Asia and is widely consumed worldwide.
In context, soya, a member of the pea family, has all the essential minerals which make it a complete protein and one of the richest sources of plant proteins known to man. Gram for gram, it has more protein and iron than milk and more vitamins B1, B2, and B6 than eggs.
Additionally, unlike animal proteins, soya has no cholesterol and is thus very good for vegans. It also has fibre and healthy fats that help keep one well.
Because of its benefits, soya comes in many forms. It’s used in different foods, but the most popular way to enjoy it is as soya tea. You can make it by soaking roasted soybeans in hot water or by using ready-made soya powder, which you can buy at shops or supermarkets.
Benefits of Soya Tea
Soya is a powerhouse ingredient. It has numerous benefits and is very versatile, making it a valuable addition to any diet, as briefly discussed.
Here are the benefits of soya tea in detail:
1. High source of protein
Soya is packed with protein. It’s one of the best plant-based proteins and has all the amino acids your body needs. This helps with muscle growth and keeps you feeling good. It’s perfect for people who don’t eat animal protein. Plus, soya tea has no caffeine. Drinking it daily will give you steady energy without jitters, crashes, or headaches. It’s also good for people with diabetes because it keeps blood sugar stable.
2. Heart friendly
Soya helps your heart stay healthy. It has no cholesterol, which makes it a great choice for heart health. Studies show it lowers bad cholesterol and keeps good cholesterol steady or even raises it.
3. Balancing hormones and supporting bone health
Soya is rich in phytoestrogens, particularly isoflavones. These compounds mimic oestrogen production and work by regulating hormone levels. This can help alleviate menopause symptoms like hot flushes.
Research also shows that women who consume soya benefit from improved bone density. Isoflavones play a crucial role in slowing down the cells that break down bones while stimulating the formation of new ones. Moreover, the high protein content supports strong bones and muscles, contributing to overall well-being.
4. Prevention of cancer
Scientific research indicates that soya may help reduce the risk of hormone-related cancers, such as breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.
This is due to isoflavones, which have antioxidant properties that help reduce chronic inflammation linked to cancer and inhibit tumour growth.
5. Support gut well-being
Soya is rich in fibre, which helps your gut stay healthy. It feeds good bacteria, acting as a prebiotic. This improves digestion, helps your body absorb nutrients, and boosts your immune system. The fibre also reduces problems like constipation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Fermented soya products, like miso or natto, have probiotics that make your gut even healthier.
Soya tea is simple, healthy, and good for everyone—not SDA people alone!
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