Frequently Asked Questions
1. I have heard that soyfoods contain female hormones, is that true?
Soy foods are free of hormones. The class of estrogen-like compounds found in soyfoods is called isoflavones. They belong to a class of phytochemicals called flavonoids and are natural antioxidants. Isoflavones sometimes are called phytoestrogens because they structurally resemble the female hormone estrogen but their biochemical properties are different from those of estrogen.
The isoflavones found naturally in soyfoods are safe for consumption. In fact, the American Dietetic Association, Dietitians Association of Australia, Dietitians of Canada and the British Dietetic Association also recommend soy foods as part of a healthy diet. In addition, soya bean is a good source of protein, low in saturated fat and free of cholesterol.
2. Can Vitasoy be reheated using a microwave oven?
The classic Vitasoy brick type carton products are packaged using a special material to maintain the optimal quality, prolong shelf life and enhance protection. They cannot be put directly into the microwave oven for heating. A microwavable cup is recommended for reheating.
On the other hand, Vitasoy/our other soymilk in gable top package can be reheated safely after opening using a microwave oven.
3. How should I store Vitasoy products?
The storage instructions specified on the package should be followed to maintain the product quality, especially those require refrigeration. Unless specified, products should be stored in cool and dry place to avoid direct sun light.
4. Is Vitasoy/soymilk suitable for infants?
Soymilk should not be used to replace infant formula before one year of age.
5. Is Vitasoy/soymilk suitable for toddlers and children?
Just like cow’s milk, soymilk can be introduced as part of toddler’s healthy diet after one year of age. Any toddlers using soymilk to substitute cow’s milk completely should seek advice from a healthcare professional to make sure their calcium and energy intakes are fully met.
6. When is a good time to introduce tofu as part of an infant’s diet?
Tofu can be introduced to the infant’s diet, when the infant is developmentally ready to handle other protein foods such as meats, fish, poultry and cooked egg yolks. Tofu is not only easy to digest and is a good source of protein and iron.
7. Is soyfood suitable for pregnant women?
Soyfoods provide a complete source of protein, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids. The protein in soybeans is the only plant protein that is equivalent to animal protein, but with fewer calories, saturated fat, and no cholesterol. When taken in amounts commonly found in foods, soy is likely safe to take during pregnancy. In fact, fortified soy beverage like Calci-Plus is a delicious and convenient source of many nutrients that are important in pregnancy, including calcium and high-quality protein.
If you are pregnant, ask your doctor/dietitian for advice about a healthy diet.
Reference: Dietitians of Canada. Practice-Based Evidence in Nutrition. Functional Foods/Nutraceuticals – Soy. 2008.
8. Can I consume San Sui Tofu straight from the container without cooking?
Yes, during the manufacturing process, San Sui tofu has undergone heat treatment during pasteurization and is thoroughly cooked. It can be safely consumed directly or used for preparing delicious cold dishes with other ingredients.
9. Can I freeze Vitasoy?
The quality and texture will change and the extent depends on how long the product has been frozen and defrosted before consumption. In general, we do not recommend that you freeze Vitasoy.
10. The shelf life of ambient Vitasoy soymilk can be as long as 1 year. Does it contain preservatives?
No. Vitasoy is produced using Ultra High Temperature and aseptic packaging technology. The quality can be maintained in long shelf life without the addition of preservatives. So the packaged products should be handled with care to prevent damage that would destroy the protection.
11. Why is there sedimentation in Calci-Plus?
The sediment in Calci-plus is calcium. Sedimentation is a natural phenomenon, as the pack is static during storage. Shaking is recommended before consumption.
12. Do you use genetically modified soybeans?
No. all of the soybeans used by our company are cultivated using traditional breeding methods and are not genetically modified.
13. I can’t tolerate milk, what is a good milk replacement?
Lactose intolerance is common especially among Chinese. People with lactose intolerance/lactose mildigestion will experience bloating, cramping, flatulence and/or diarrhea after milk/dairy consumption because the amount of enzyme lactase to digest lactose from dairy products is inadequate.
One good way to ensure adequate calcium intake if you cannot tolerate dairy products is through calcium fortified soy beverage such as Calci-Plus. Each pack of Calci-Plus contains 170mg/100mL calcium, compared to 100-120mg/100mL calcium in cow’s milk.
|