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ASK BONNIE for September 2002


Question #1:

I was told that tofu/soy protein is not absorbable unless it is cooked. Is this true?

Answer #1:

No. For people with compromised GI tracts, heavy intake of soy protein contains phylates that are difficult to break down (as in whole wheat), causing distress, malabsorption of the protein, and mineral malabsorption.

Tofu, tempeh, and miso are fermented, making them more digestible forms of soy (whether cooked or not), much like yogurt being more digestible than cow's milk because it is fermented.

Question #2:

We grill a lot, year round. We do use wood charcoal, but we do use lighter fluid. How unsafe is it to eat grilled food?

Answer #2:

Carcinogens are released when flames hit the meat/fish/poultry. However, marinating these items with acid (vinegar, lemon juice, etc.) or coating them with same protects against the release of carcinogens. Aluminum foil, especially if the item is 3/4 or totally enclosed, also is safer.

Have a happy, healthy day.

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