Is Textured Vegetable Protein Bad For You?
Short answer
Yes, textured vegetable protein (TVP) is bad for you. It is nothing more than heavily processed soybeans.
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
View Full Grading System
Category 'A'
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Side effects are rare. Things rated an 'A+' are typically necessary for survival (for example, water).
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. A few harmful qualities may be associated, but only under certain circumstances such as an allergic reaction.
Very healthy and numerous health benefits. Harmful qualities may be associated, but aren't usually serious.
It is important to note that even the best things in life can become bad in immoderate amounts. So, although something may be rated an 'A+', overconsumption/overdoing can bring unwanted effects.
Category 'B'
Very beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B+' may have a few harmful qualities to pay attention to.
Overall beneficial to your health. Things rated a 'B' may have some harmful qualities to pay attention to.
More beneficial to your health than not. However, harmful qualities are most likely associated and shouldn't be overlooked.
The main difference between category 'A' and category 'B' is the harmful qualities typically present in 'B' items. Serious side effects are usually uncommon, but are still possible and should be taken note of.
Category 'C'
Both beneficial and harmful qualities associated. Things rated a 'C+' are typically a bit more on the beneficial side. Still, moderation is important.
A fairly even ratio of beneficial and harmful qualities. Moderation is important. Very general topics that can lean towards both sides of the spectrum will be placed here as well. Rice, for example, can be good or bad depending on the type.
More harmful than beneficial. Side effects are common, especially when consumed/done excessively. Moderation is very important.
Category 'C' usually denotes to both good and bad qualities. When it comes to this category, it is important to keep this word in mind: moderation.
Category 'D'
Harmful to your health. Although benefits may be associated, the bad most likely outweighs the good. Moderation is very important.
Harmful to your health. A few benefits may be associated, but the bad outweighs the good. Moderation is extremely important.
Harmful to your health. Very few, if any, benefits are present. Things in this category should be avoided as much as possible.
Category 'D' is typically for things that are more harmful than beneficial. While consuming/doing something unhealthy once in a blue moon shouldn't hurt, we definitely recommend eliminating 'D' items as a regular part of your routine/diet.
Category 'F'
Category 'F' is for things that fail to bring anything beneficial to the table, and are very harmful to your health. We recommend completely avoiding anything in this category. Long-term side effects of 'F' items are usually very serious.
Category 'N'
'N' stands for neutral. Things placed into this category are generally (a) neither good nor bad for you, or (b) lack the necessary evidence to reach any conclusions.
Long answer
Textured vegetable protein is a plant-based protein substitute derived from soybeans. It is also commonly referred to as TVP. Many vegetarians consume TVP as a protein source in replacement of meat. TVP is a popular product because it is low in fat and cholesterol free. In order to make it, soybeans are stripped of their protein, soaked in a solution, then pressure cooked and dried. It has a long shelf life and can be used for up to two years, or possibly longer if stored properly. When cooked, TVP resembles the texture of ground beef and can be used in a variety of dishes. However, there are controversial theories concerning the processing of this protein substitute and its effects as part of a healthy diet.
TVP is found in the organic aisle in many grocery stores or can also be purchased online. Most of the time, TVP is dried however, it can also be found frozen. It is cheap, and it’s quick and easy to prepare. With the capability to absorb seasonings and flavors, this protein can be a tasty and satisfying addition to any meal. TVP can be added to soups, sauces, and main meals. There are many ways to use the protein. For example, TVP is a great way to bulk up soups or stews. There is no need to cook the protein first, simply add the dried form to the pot, and it will cook in the warm liquid. TVP can also be prepared separately and used in main meals.
In order to produce TVP, soybeans are treated with a chemical to separate the fat from protein. The beans are soaked in hexane, a toxic petroleum distillate chemical. It is an air pollutant and a by-product of gasoline refining. Currently, there is not enough evidence to confirm if consuming TVP is hazardous to health, other than the general concerns with the consumption of soy. However, it is clear that petroleum distillates are harmful to the human body. Distillates like hexane or any other “light fuel” byproducts are immediately dangerous to life and health. Moreover, these chemicals have been proven to cause brain damage, cancer, and even death. Keep in mind that these chemicals can gain entrance into the body by inhalation, injection, absorption and in the case of TVP would be ingestion; albeit in extremely small amounts.
The most concerning issue with TVP is the controversy over soy in general. Individuals that have soy allergies should avoid TVP altogether. However, there is a significant amount of research regarding the negative effects soy has on natural hormones in the body, which can cause problems in mood, reproduction systems of both men and women, complications with the menstrual cycle, and carcinogenic properties. Additionally, soy grown in the United States is typically genetically modified (GMO) and grown in environments loaded with pesticides. TVP is completely avoidable since it is purposefully added to food. It is best to find alternative protein sources that do not contain soy.
Possible short-term side effects
- soy allergy
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menstrual complications
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mood changes
Possible long-term side effects
- cancer
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infertility
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reproductive system complications
Commonly found in
- vegan / vegetarian versions of meat-based products
Ingredients to be aware of
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Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 04-05-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016
Thank you for your feedback!
Written by DeeAnne Oldham
Published on: 04-05-2016
Last updated: 12-10-2016