7 Tempeh Benefits & Uses

Originating in Indonesia, tempeh is now growing in popularity in the Unites States. Tempeh is a soybean that undergoes a natural fermentation product. It's packed with nutrients, including protein, folate, manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium and calcium. Tempeh benefits include the ability to fight diabetes, increase bone density, reduce cholesterol levels and even treat cancer.

Tempeh Benefits

1. Provides the Body With Probiotics

Tempeh benefits the body by providing it with a healthy dose of gut-healing probiotics. Fermented foods help fill the gut with beneficial bacteria to strengthen the immune system and fight against harmful bacteria like candida. Thanks to the probiotics it contains, tempeh benefits also include the ability to improve digestion and fight chronic inflammation.

2. Reduces Cholesterol

Research has shown that tempeh benefits include the ability to reduce cholesterol. Tempeh contains soy isoflavones which work to significantly decrease total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels. The niacin in tempeh can also help prevent dangerously high cholesterol levels. (1)

3. Increases Bone Density

Tempeh benefits include the ability to increase bone density. Tempeh contains calcium, which plays an important role in the growth and maintenance of healthy bones. It also contains Vitamin K and Vitamin D, which work to strengthen bone mineral density and prevent fractures. Tempeh benefits also include the ability to prevent a copper deficiency, which can lead to osteoporosis, muscle weakness and more. (2)

4. Reduces Menopause Symptoms

Thanks to the isoflavones it contains, tempeh benefits include the ability to work as a natural remedy for menopause symptoms. Research has shown that isoflavones may be beneficial for menopausal women, for their ability to reduce triglycerides and combat hot flashes. (3)

5. Provides the Body With Protein

Tempeh is packed with muscle-building protein. 100 grams of tempeh provides the body with 37% of the recommended daily protein intake. The body utilizes protein to build muscle mass, support neurological function, balance hormones and aid in digestion.

6. Fights Diabetes

Tempeh benefits include the ability to naturally fight diabetes. Tempeh is loaded with manganese, which plays a vital role in many chemical processes in the body. Manganese is used to form bone mass, balance hormones and prevent high blood sugar levels that can contribute to diabetes. Studies ave shown that manganese may work as a natural remedy for diabetes.

7. Treats Cancer and Inflammatory Diseases

Tempeh benefits include the ability to treat cancer and other inflammatory diseases. In a 2005 study, researchers tested the isoflavones found in soybean products. They found that isoflavones may be able to help treat cancer, thanks to their ability to inhibit tumor formation. Research has also shown that tempeh may help heal leaky gut syndrome. Probiotics, like those in tempeh, can help improve digestive function and mineral absorption, which can also contribute to the prevention of cancer and other inflammatory diseases. (4)