Expert Insight

• Texturized soy protein contains most of the soybean, providing one of the highest concentrations of isoflavones (part of the plant source of estrogen), according to a 2007 study by researchers Manuel T. Velasquez and Sam J. Bhathena. Eating TVP "has anti-obesity effects and may also reduce insulin resistance."
  
  

Function

• TVP is easier to prepare than real meat. Rehydrate TVP with boiling water for 10 minutes or add dried TVP to your chili, stews, spaghetti sauce, pizza, tacos or any recipe calling for meat.
  
  

Dietary

• TVP contains five percent fat, much less than most meat and more healthful than animal fat. TVP also has 15g of protein per ounce, an asset if you are dieting to lose weight or transitioning to a vegetarian diet.
  
  

Economical

• Get the most out of ground beef or ground turkey by stretching it with TVP, which has the texture of ground beef. Add half TVP and half ground beef when preparing a meal.
  
  

Purchase

• Purchase dried TVP inexpensively in bulk or prepackaged at health food stores and online. Store dehydrated TVP at room temperature up to six months.
  
  

Warning

• Avoid TVP if you are allergic to soy. Do not buy flavored TVP if you are on a low-sodium diet.