Soybeans are widely used in the American diet, particularly in processed foods such as snacks,condiments, bread or cereal products . Soybeans also provide an alternative protein source for those needing to decrease their intake of red meat. Unfortunately, soybeans cause an allergic reaction for some individuals. Due to the growing awareness of food allergies, there is an expanding variety of food to eat that do not contain soybeans.
Condiments
Choose mayonnaise made with canola oil instead of the more common soy-based mayo. Watch the mayonnaises citing olive oil as their main source of oil. Typically, soybean oil is also used in these mayonnaises. Read the ingredients carefully when choosing your salad dressing, as soybean oil is a common ingredient. Brianna's Homestyle Blush Wine or French Vinaigrettes are soy-free salad dressings. Annie's Naturals has an asiago cheese or Caesar salad dressing for those who prefer a creamy style.
Other Beans and Legumes
Kidney beans are a nutritious and affordable alternative to soybeans. According to the experts at The World's Healthiest Foods, 1 cup of kidney beans provides 30 percent of the daily recommended allowance of protein for adults. Iron is another important nutrient found in kidney beans. Black beans are a nutrient-packed substitute for soybeans offering protein, fiber, folate and magnesium. Combine them with whole grains for a healthy protein substitute instead of meat. According to the Lucille Packard Children's hospital an allergy to soybeans could indicate a sensitivity to other legumes, so check with your allergy doctor before trying kidney or black beans.
Cereal Products
Avoid soybean flour and oils in the following breakfast cereals: Nature's Path Crunchy Vanilla or Maple cereals; Quaker's Life cereal; General Mill's Fiber One Frosted Shredded Wheat. For those who enjoy other types of breakfast foods, such as granola or cereal bars, finding products without any soybean additives can be tricky. Larabar offers several tasty choices for a healthy, soy-free snack, such as the Tropical Fruit Tart made with almonds, pineapple, coconut oil, cashews, dates and oranges. The Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough bar is a simple mix of chocolate chips, dates and cashews.
Bread and Tortillas
Due to the dominant use of soybean oil in sandwich breads, hamburger and hot dog buns, and tortillas sold in the local grocery stores, seeking a home-made bread source is the first recommendation. The Really Great Food Company offers soy-free bread mixes if you choose to make your own, such as its French and Country Farm bread mixes, which can be ordered online. Check with your grocery store bakery for soy-free bread options. Food for Life makes sandwich bread featuring white rice flour that is soy free in addition to tortillas made with brown rice and tapioca. Check the label carefully as some "soy-free" foods may be prepared in facilities that make soybean products also.
References
- "Super Immunity for Kids"; Leo Galland M.D.; 1988
- The World's Healthiest Foods: Kidney Beans
- Lucille Packard Children's Hospital: Soy Allergy Diet
- The Really Great Food Company: French Bread-Country Farm Mix
- Food For Life: Brown Rice Tortillas



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