Nutri Courses

Advisory

Tempeh

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food product made by fermenting soybeans. It is rich in protein, fiber, and various vitamins and minerals, making it an excellent choice for vegetarians and vegans seeking plant-based protein sources. Tempeh is also a great source of probiotics, which support gut health and can aid in digestion.

From a nutritional perspective, tempeh is very nutritious. It contains all essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source. It is also rich in B vitamins, particularly B2 and B3, and minerals such as iron, manganese, and phosphorus. Additionally, due to the fermentation process, tempeh is easily digestible and can help improve nutrient absorption in the body.

Hello,
some types of tempeh contain fermented wheat, but it is not listed as an allergen. Does that mean there is no gluten in fermented wheat?
Thank you for your response.

In tempeh, wheat appears in situations where it is part of fermented soy sauce. Because the food has undergone complete fermentation, during which the structure of gluten has been entirely broken down (enzymatic hydrolysis), it is not present in the food.

Good afternoon, Mr. Jelínek,
I would like to ask about plant-based proteins (Tofu, Tempeh) - are they suitable in their smoked form? Or can they be considered 'smoked products' with the negatives of animal-based smoked products?
Thank you.

That's a good question for discussion :-)

Simply put, these are smoked meats, which carry a number of nutritional disadvantages or even negatives commonly associated with the smoking process:
- a higher salt content (on average 1-1.5 g / 100 g of food),
- the potential presence of flavorings, colorings, and flavor enhancers (e.g., yeast extract, caramel, liquid smoke),
- in foods smoked with hot smoke, increasing concentrations of carcinogenic substances.

However, you won't find the above negatives in all manufacturers, as it always depends on the production processes that companies control themselves (quality of wood, smoking time, use of smoke filtration devices, etc.). Therefore, the differences in quality can be significant, and consumers don't always have access to this information. It is thus worth considering how much you want to "take the risk"...

Good day, Mr. Master of Pharmacy. I am interested in knowing in what form it is most suitable to incorporate soy products into the diet? Tofu, tempeh... etc. Thank you for your response.

START OF TEXT: Prefer those that suit your taste. Consider these products as fundamental ingredients in the kitchen, with tofu being suitable for both sweet and savory recipes, and tempeh primarily for savory dishes. Both foods are significant sources of protein, so treat them as potential alternatives to meat. In the case of tempeh, pay attention to how it increases the fiber content on the plate, which also applies to soybeans or their extrudates (soy granules labeled as "meat"). If you work with soybeans, always cook them thoroughly without exception (just like other legumes).

Hello,
I read in a discussion that tempeh must be cooked before consumption? May I ask why? I've never heard of that. Even in many "organic and health restaurants," I've encountered tempeh just placed as a garnish on bread,
thank you.

Heat treatment of tempeh before consumption is recommended for its NATURAL version. The reason is the active fermentation molds, which can cause digestive issues in sensitive individuals or potentially burden the immune system.

Questions answered by

Mgr. Martin Jelinek
Lecturer and author of the educational system

Mgr. Martin Jelínek has been systematically involved in nutrition education since 1999. He is the founder of ATAC, the educational company behind NutriCourses, and the author of an educational system focused on nutrition, healthy lifestyle, and the practical application of nutrition knowledge.

He graduated from the Faculty of Science at Masaryk University in Brno. Throughout his professional career, he has combined nutrition, education, and the practical application of acquired knowledge. His educational system also includes the ZOF (Zone of Optimal Functioning) learning application, where students turn theory into practical work with meal plans.

In 2007, he launched the first intake of a six-month course focused on the education of nutrition advisors. Over time, this course became the foundation for the further development of the educational system and a range of specialised courses.