Soy sauce from China, where it has been known for over 2500 years. Soy sauce occupies a prominent place in the cuisines of Asian countries. Shoyu (its name in Japanese) was introduced to Japan in the 7th century by Buddhist monks. Its use has become established in several countries, primarily Asian, and now widely spread around the world.A few drops of this elixir, a bit mysterious, are enough to give a dish the exoticism it lacks.In this article, we give you what you need to know about the benefits and risks of soy sauce, and the ways to use it in different foods.

1. What is soy sauce?

It is a sauce with a dark brown color and a somewhat salty taste and liquid texture. It is usually consumed in many marinades of Asian food and is prepared through the process of fermenting soybeans and wheat with water and salt, so it is characterized by its strong flavor, which makes it excellent for seasoning seafood and meat.

2. The nutritional value of soy sauce

One tablespoon of the traditional soy sauce contains the following:

3. Types of soy sauce

There are many types of soy sauce according to the method of fermentation and preparation, and the different tastes from one country to another in East Asian countries and from the widely known types:

3.1 Dark soy sauce

It is the most famous type in Japan and has a reddish-brown color and its clear flavor.

3.2 Light soy sauce

This type contains a high proportion of soybeans and a small percentage of wheat and is characterized by its light texture and less flavor.

3.3 Tamari soy sauce

It contains a very high percentage of soybeans and does not exceed 10% of wheat, but it is odorless and very dark color compared to other types.

3.4 Shiro soy sauce

This type of wheat is prepared with a very low percentage of soybeans, so it has a light color.

Related: What are the benefits of rice? a source of protein, fiber and more!

4. How to consume soy sauce?

It can be used to accompany spring rolls, shrimps, enhance the taste of meat, prepare a vinaigrette, flavor a fish, or underline the delicacy of a poultry. Its field of intervention in the kitchen is very wide, and its active ingredients make it possible to soften and flavor the flesh. Soy sauce marinades are ideal for skewers that are barbecue cooked in the summer. Adopted like salt, pepper, or vinegar, it quickly becomes an essential condiment in your cooking recipes.

5. Benefits of soy sauce

Many researches have indicated that soy sauce is linked to some health benefits, including:- Reducing allergies.- Help in digestion by increasing gastric juice secretion.- Beneficial effect on cholesterol: due to their composition, soy-based foods are rich in fiber and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Thus, it helps to favorably regulate the lipid balance, favoring the fall of cholesterol. The decrease in triglycerides remains more random.- Improving the immune response.- Containing a number of powerful antioxidants that are important for heart health.- Sugars isolated in soy sauce have a great effect on some types of intestinal bacteria, which is good for intestinal health.- Improving the immune system.- Contribute to the balance of the blood pressure level.- Soy sauce is the natural ally of those who want to regulate their weight but also of those who want to have an ogre appetite.- A study has shown that soy sauce with preservatives has the ability to kill bacteria like Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, or Vibrio cholera by the combined effect of its salt, ethanol, acid pH and preservative.

6. Soy sauce risks and damages

Despite its multiple benefits, an excessive intake of this sauce exposes the body to some of the damages, as it is full of a large percentage of sodium; including:- High blood pressure level, especially if you are experiencing an allergy problem with salt, although there is nothing to prevent it from being taken, but with caution.- Rich in gluten as it contains wheat, which means that it is forbidden for people with gluten.- It contains flavor enhancers, which is one of the causes of headaches if overused.- Its consumption must also remain limited for pregnant women. Soy sauce contains phytoestrogens, which can disrupt the hormonal system.

7. Soy sauce for children?

Rather healthy food, soy sauce (if it is of good quality and traditional) can quite be proposed to the children in replacement of other condiments which they particularly like. What interest? Get them used to the sweet taste, which they get used to earlier and faster. It's also a way to introduce them to new flavors.

Originally published on Live Positively.