How Can I Integrate Kojic Acid Into My Routine
While its true that Kojic acid is found naturally, it doesnt mean soy sauce should become your go-to skin lightening moisturizer. In fact wed strongly discourage you from it.
Although DIY skincare feels wholesome, youre not just putting Kojic acid onto your skin when using a food product like soy sauce.
Theres also the color, the smell and the potential for irritation.
Just dont do it.
Skincare products pass through regulations much more stringent than food products. Theres a reason youre tummy possess stomach acid with a pH as low as battery acid. Your skin is not so well equipped.
Since Kojic acids skin lightening abilities were first discovered, cosmetic formulas have evolved to monopolize this ingredients benefits.
Why put yourself through the pain of using suspect smelling soy sauce, when you could enjoy the same benefits from a nourishing and brightening cream?
Soy Sauce Is Not Gluten Free
Is soy sauce gluten free? No, soy sauce is not gluten free. Soy sauce contains gluten. Soy sauce is made from soybeans, wheat, salt and a fermenting agent such as yeast or mold, therefore making it a glutinous food.
While celiac disease may not be as rampant as many marketing trends lead us to believe, you may have a gluten sensitivity
Celiac and gluten sensitivity symptoms are similar and may include: recurring abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, constipation, tingling, numbness in hands and feet, chronic fatigue, joint pain, unexplained infertility and low bone density .
There are hundreds of potential symptoms, many of which are also symptoms of other conditions.
Going gluten-free easier than ever with this: Gluten and Gluten Free Foods List
Health Risks Linked With Soy Sauce
Question staysIs Soy Sauce Good For You?
Well, there can be health issues with soy sauce due to its high salt content, presence of cancer-causing substances and reactions to amines and MSG.
High amounts of sodium
Soy sauce has lots of salt in it. In spite of the fact that it is needed by the body to function well, too much of it can harm you. High sodium intake can cause high BP, heart disease and even stomach cancer.
If you want to reduce your salt intake, you can consume the easily available low salt versions of soy sauce.
You can enjoy soy sauce in your diet if you are willing to limit the consumption of processed foods.
High in MSG
MSG is basically a flavour enhancer. Found naturally in some foods, it is mostly used as a food additive.
Eating foods high in MSG was once connected to headaches, weakness and palpitations but recent studies say that it is not a cause for concern.
Contains cancer-causing substances
When made chemically, soy sauce has toxins in it that can cause harm if they exceed the safety limit. Therefore, it is best to go in for fermented soy sauce.
Has amines in it
Soy sauce has amines in it and if you are sensitive to them, you should either limit your intake of the sauce or avoid it completely.
Has Gluten and wheat
While eating out, ensure that the soy sauce brand used by the restaurant is gluten-free or not.
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May Lower Blood Sugar
One review including 17 randomized control studies the gold standard in research suggests that soy isoflavones may help slightly reduce blood sugar and insulin levels in menopausal women .
Soy isoflavones may also help lower insulin resistance, a condition in which cells no longer respond to insulin normally. Over time, insulin resistance can result in high blood sugar levels and lead to type 2 diabetes .
In addition, theres some evidence that soy protein supplements may help slightly lower blood sugar and insulin levels in people with type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome .
Metabolic syndrome refers to a cluster of conditions, including high blood sugar, cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and abdominal fat, that together, tend to increase a persons risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
However, these results arent unanimous, and several studies have failed to find a strong link between soy foods and blood sugar control in healthy people and those with type 2 diabetes (
29 ).
In another study, soy foods were found to offer some protection against the effects of bisphenol A , a compound found in some plastics believed to reduce fertility .
However, these findings in support of benefits for fertility arent universal.
For instance, one review suggests that ingesting 100 mg of soy isoflavones per day may reduce ovarian function and reproductive hormone levels two important fertility factors .
Homemade Vegan Soy Sauce
This is a highly concentrated substance that you can make at home from things in your cupboard.
It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks and should be diluted before use.
Ingredients
- Salt
Method
Add all of the ingredients except the fenugreek seeds and salt to a saucepan. Place over a medium heat and whisk until it reaches boiling point.
When it boils, reduce the heat and add in the fenugreek seeds. Simmer the mixture until it has reduced by half. This should strongly resemble soy sauce.
At this point, you should taste a little and decide whether to add salt or not.
Pass the liquid through a sieve or strainer to remove any lumps. Allow it to cool and then transfer it to a sterilized glass jar.
Notes
This recipe will make ½ a cup or 125 ml of soy sauce concentrate.
You can substitute regular molasses or dark caramel for the blackstrap molasses, although this will affect the color of the replacement.
You can substitute white vinegar or apple cider vinegar for the rice vinegar in a pinch.
If you do not have powdered ginger, finely grate ½ inch of ginger root.
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If You Can’t Find A Good Soy Sauce Try This Instead
More grocery stores now carry higher-end products, and you may be able to find a naturally fermented soy sauce in your local store. Most Asian grocery stores carry a natural soy sauce or you can order online. However, it is more expensive because the process takes a longer time to make and most of it still comes from Asia.
If you’re looking for a good substitute, take a look at amino acid flavoring sauces. This gets a similar texture and flavor profile as soy sauce, without the allergens of soy, wheat, or any of the chemical additives.
If you really like soy sauce, check out some of the better fermented ones. You can find gluten-free ones , and minimal soy ones . There are multiple different flavors and textures that come with naturally fermented products. It can give you a wide variety of culinary experiences that will tickle your senses and improve your health.
Soy Sauce Contains Common Food Allergens: Soy And Wheat
Is soy sauce a common food allergen? Yes, soy sauce contains common food allergens: soy and wheat. Many people experience allergic reactions to soy sauce.
A group of the eight major allergenic foods is often referred to as the Big-8 and includes milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat and soybeans.
These foods account for about 90% of all food allergies in the United States.
Severe food allergies can be life threatening. Following ingestion of a food allergen, a person with food allergies can experience a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.
Persons may still be allergic to and have serious reactions to foods other than the eight foods identified by the law.
Be aware of common dietary restrictions and food allergens with this: The Big 8 Most Common Food Allergens List
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Soy Is Destroying The Planet
Some vegetarians argue that eating meat destroys the planet and that replacing meat protein with soy is a good alternative. Absolute nonsense. Those who believe in that have absolutely no clue about the way the industrialized system works.
Soy crops are probably the most destructive of all the monocrops. They rob the soil of nutrients without giving back, theyre one of the pesticide laden crops and they are now almost all genetically modified. The major part of it goes to feed livestock, who get sick eating it. Some factory produced cuts of meat are now injected with extra soy. This is yet another reason to stay clear of factory-farmed animals: save yourself and the environment from soy.
Monsanto, the largest soy producer now sues every farmer who gets their soy cross-pollinated by Monsantos patented GMO crops. Cross-pollination used to be the way plants reproduced, now its illegal! It should actually be the opposite where the farmers sue Monsanto for infecting their crops, but of course Monsanto is now too big to be vulnerable. They have a very strong political power because of the lobbying they do.
Is Soy Bad For You Or Is It Full Of Benefits
Without a doubt, soy is one of the most controversial products on the planet. In fact, ask a handful of health experts is soy bad for you? and youre likely to get a dozen different responses.
While some claim that it can disrupt hormone levels, tank thyroid health and contribute to cancer, others point out that it can improve heart health, boost fertility and keep cholesterol levels in check.
So is soy bad for you? And how much soy is too much? Keep reading for everything you need to know about the health effects of this incredibly common yet controversial ingredient.
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What Types Of Pigmentation Will Kojic Acid Lighten
Were very sure youll like the answer to this question. Kojic acid is effective at lightening and brightening all types of pigmentation.
Do you have acne induced post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation marks?
Kojic acid will help lighten them.
Have you developed age spots?
Kojic acid will help lighten them.
Are you covered in freckles from 2 weeks in the sun?
Kojic acid will help lighten them.
Kojic acid is effective at lightening all types of pigmentation because all pigmentation is created by melanin.
Why Soy Is Controversial
Lets take a trip back to the 1990s, when soy foods first started really hitting it big. At the time, many experts believed that soy had the power to fight problems like obesity, heart disease and even cancer. After all, people in Asia eat a ton of soy, and studies showed that these populations had significantly lower rates of obesity, heart disease and breast cancer compared to people in the U.S. Clearly, soy was the miracle food, right?
Not necessarily. Those studies only looked at associations, not causation. Just because people who consume a lot of soy also happen to be healthier than people who dont eat soy doesnt automatically mean that soy is the key to their superior state. Countless other factors including genetics, lifestyle and the rest of their diet could also play a role.
When researchers began taking a closer look to find out what made soy so healthy, they ran into some surprises. Soy, it turned out, contains estrogen-like compounds called isoflavones. And some findings suggested that these compounds could promote the growth of some cancer cells, impair female fertility and mess with thyroid function. Some health experts also trash-talk soy because of its potential to be an endocrine disrupter meaning it can mimic estrogen in the body, which may lead to a hormone overload.
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Take Care Of Your Health
The World Health Organization also recommends using less salt in foods. Five grams or a level teaspoon per day is the maximum recommended intake. Too much salt increases the risk of high blood pressure and cardio-vascular diseases. Reducing the salt content of the food you eat by 30 percent makes an important contribution to health.
Did you know?
Weve got the perfect sauce for children and older people who shouldnt eat too much salt: our Naturally brewed less salt soy sauce. The salt content is reduced by almost half in the production process, yet the sauce still has a wonderful full-bodied flavour. Simply add a dash of this delicious sauce to your pan-cooked foods, sauces or soups.
Continue Learning About Health Value Of Foods
Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.
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Is Rice And Soy Sauce Healthy
Soy sauce is high in sodium and contains gluten Using these numbers, if you were to eat two cups of fried rice and add one tablespoon of soy sauce, youd consume 2,500 milligrams of sodium. Too much salt in a diet can lead to a host of health problems, including high blood pressure and even stroke.
What Is The Ph Of Soy Sauce
As Ive already mentioned, the pH of soy sauce is around 5 . Although that might seem closer to a neutral level of 7, it is still considered acidic. And this acidity is actually what gives it its refined, rounded tartness.
Soy sauce also contains around 1.0% lactic acid and more than ten other organic acids, including succinic acid.
A pH of 0 is totally acidic, while a pH of 14 is completely alkaline. A pH of 7 is neutral.
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Can Be High In Msg
Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer. Its found naturally in some foods and often used as a food additive .
It is a form of glutamic acid, an amino acid that contributes significantly to the umami flavor of foods. Umami is one of the five basic flavors in food, often found in what is called savory food (
28 ).
Therefore, the presence of glutamic acid or even added MSG in soy sauce is probably no cause for concern.
Summary MSG and its free form, glutamic acid, are an important part of the appealing umami taste of soy sauce. Although MSG was once thought to cause headaches, recent reviews suggest this isnt the case.
What Sauce Is Good For Acid Reflux
If you suffer from really bad acid reflux, the best would be to mix your own sauces from scratch and from ingredients that have a proven track record of not triggering your disorder.
Most sauces arent too complicated to make, and youll be in complete control of the ingredients used, unlike the Russian roulette of cooking with the store-bought sauce.
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What Is Kojic Acid
Kojic acid is a naturally sourced ingredient manufactured by Mother Nature. The production site a mushroom or fungus. The production fuel the earth.
This is not the most glamorous of natural ingredients but trust us, the results more than make up for its back story.
Kojic acid is predominantly produced by 3 kinds of fungus named Aspergillus,Acetobacter, and Penicillium.
When a mushroom or fungus grows, it produces ingredients called secondary metabolites. These ingredients help it to survive. While secondary metabolites are not essential to a mushrooms growth, they are essential in its competition for survival of the fittest.
Secondary metabolites are a wide reaching group of ingredients which includes several types of compounds, some of which youd refer to as antibiotics or antioxidants.
Although not essential for a mushrooms existence, antibiotics and antioxidants help any fungus, plant or human being to exist and survive.
One such life-giving antioxidant compound produced by fungi and mold alike is called by its Japanese name, Kojic acid.
Can I Make My Own Soy Sauce
Earlier in this article we provided you with a recipe for a vegan homemade soy sauce. But, here it is again, to save you from having to scroll through:
Ingredients
- Salt
Method
Add all of the ingredients except the fenugreek seeds and salt to a saucepan. Place over a medium heat and whisk until it reaches boiling point.
When it boils, reduce the heat and add in the fenugreek seeds. Simmer the mixture until it has reduced by half. This should strongly resemble soy sauce.
At this point, you should taste a little and decide whether to add salt or not.
Pass the liquid through a sieve or strainer to remove any lumps. Allow it to cool and then transfer it to a sterilized glass jar.
To note – this recipe will make about half a cup or 125 ml of soy sauce concentrate.
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How To Tell If Soy Sauce Has Gone Bad
Soy sauce is high in sodium and is sterilized before bottling. Hence, going bad is a rare occurrence, as long as water and other impurities are not introduced into the bottle.
However, soy sauce does lose its quality over time. Knowing some common signs of inferior quality and soy sauce going bad will help you in the kitchen. As with other foods, the rule of thumb is checking the visual signs, smell, and taste to pass your judgment.
With an old bottle of sauce, if nothing looks and smells strange, taste a small amount. The flavor and taste may not be as fresh as a newly opened sauce. If its not as sharp as you expected, consider using it for cooking instead of dipping sauce. But its your call to keep it or toss it.
If you notice off-smell, altered taste, molds,or strange things inside the bottle , these are apparent signs that soy sauce is spoiled and no longer suitable for use.
Storage And Food Safety
Shelf-stable soy sauce should be used within one month of opening. It does not need to be refrigerated, according to the USDA. But according to some manufacturers, soy sauce will start to lose its freshness and flavor immediately after opening. Refrigerating it will keep the flavor and freshness at their peak for a longer period.
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