What is Soy?
Soybeans are well-known in Asia. They are very nutritious and high in protein. People can eat them, drink them as a milk substitute, or take them as supplements.
- Cooked Soybeans
- Edemame
- Soy Sauce
- Tofu
- List of foods containing soy:
- Soy Milk
- Soy Nuts
Hence why many people, especially those who follow a vegan/vegetarian diet, depend on it as a major source of protein.
Is Soy considered healthy?
Soy is a protein.
Soybeans are low in saturated fat and high in protein, vitamin C, and folate. They are a good source of calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium.
There are better protein alternatives for babies. And always remember that moderation is key!
Is soy a common allergen?
Allergies to soy are common especially in babies.
There is no proof that waiting to introduce soy will avoid an allergy response, but it doesn't mean you shouldn't introduce it. So you can introduce it with other foods when baby starts his/her solids journey.
Is soy sauce healthy for babies?
1 tbsp soy sauce = 1000+ mg of sodium
This amount of salt could harm baby's kidneys especially those that are under one year old.
Babies should NOT have salt before the age of 1 - it contains a huge amount of sodium: 2300 milligrams per teaspoon.
WHY you shouldn't give soy sauce to younger babies?
- Soy sauce contains huge amounts of salts.
- Soy sauce contains flavors, coloring and additives that are harmful.
Key Takeaway:
The sodium in soy sauce is extremely high. But you can occasionally introduce it after the age of 2 if you intend to make a dish that contains it. Do not exceed 10ml of soy sauce per day!
Soy is not a common ingredient in the Arab cuisine - so it's not a well known allergen, but you can introduce it.
