Sumptuous soya

ONE MAN'S meat is another man's poison. The foodstuff that moistens the mouth of a Korean could be nauseating for an Indian. But when it comes to nutritive value - races across the world speak the same language and use the same food like the soya bean.

The soya bean is fast becoming an universal food item. Studies have proved the benefits of the plant product. It can prevent cancer, adult onset diabetes, attention deficiency syndrome in children and other chronic diseases.

Gone are the days when people were just content with traditional carbohydrate-rich Indian food. More protein and less fat is the motto that inspires people to switch over to new eating habits. Dr. Vijayan, a cardiologist, says that soya is one of the best ways out. Just replace some of the animal protein and carbohydrate you normally eat with soya protein.

It is here that Chennai-based entrepreneur Visalakshi plays an important role. She has stepped into the hitherto untouched realm of producing soya bean products, such as soya milk and soya paneer under the banner Vishal Food Products, situated in Alwarpet.

Soya products are not new to Chennaiites. Packets of tofu and soyabean powder are found in many supermarket shelves. Definitely there are some who have modified their eating habits, thanks to soya food. Says Ajith, a business executive, "I have been using soya for the last one year and my cholesterol level has returned to normal."A complete picture of the benefits of soya has not been explored till now. But it has become the subject of many cancer-preventing studies. Dr. Barry Sears, who revolutionised American nutritional thinking, in his book "Enter the Zone" reveals the stunning scientific findings on the disease fighting and anti-ageing properties of soya bean.

Dr. Chitra Reddy says, "Soya is known to reduce problems related with menopause in women and alleviate the ailments that plague men in midlife."

A clinical trial in China is the latest of scientific studies showing that regular consumption of soya protein has a beneficial effect on cholesterol levels and may lower the risk of heart disease. In United States, The American Heart Associations Nutrition Committee recently issued a statement that recommends consumers with high cholesterol to eat three or more servings of soya products daily to reduce their total and LDL cholesterol levels.

What prompted Visalakshi to get into marketing soya products? "I chanced upon an article in a magazine about soya and its value as a health food. At the same time, a course was being conducted on the production of soya by-products," she says.

Visalakshi narrates her initial difficulties in setting up the business. "There was not much awareness about soya products and that created a lot of problem while marketing. Moreover people used to doubt my ability to deliver the product to the standard they expected.

Only later on did they accept that my product is as good as any other," she says. She has been supplying her products to a few five star hotels and a number of restaurants in the city for the past two years.

The company produces three soya products - soyamilk, soya paneer and soya meal. Soyamilk is excellent for babies, children, and adults alike as it contains vegetable protein, which is very easy to digest. It is also considered best for diabetics and also for babies who cannot digest lactose. Soyamilk can be turned into tofu (soya paneer) that can be used for preparing dishes like mutter paneer, palak paneer, burger patties, sandwiches and pakoras.

Okara or soya meal, which contains about six per cent protein, is used in puddings, halwa, and also some bakery items. It is usually stored at four degree Celsius and has a shelf life of approximately ten days.

Even though the food habits of an average Chennaiite are changing, Visalakshi is not satisfied with its pace. "We have a capacity to produce large amounts of soya products. But the demand is not that big. Once housewives are made aware of the benefits of soya, the scenario will hopefully change." To learn more on the nutritive value, you can log on to www.zoneperfect.com.

LEKSHMY RAJEEV

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