Tempeh Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits

Tempeh is a product of Indonesian origin, obtained by fermenting soybeans after cooking.

It has a very low carbohydrate content and a high protein content. 41% of daily protein needs are met from a 100-gram serving. In addition, it contains all 9 essential amino acids.

Tempeh does not contain cholesterol and trans fats and is rich in unsaturated fats. It is an effective food in lowering cholesterol and cardiovascular health.

It is an excellent source of copper and manganese. It also contains enough copper and manganese to meet more than half of the daily needs with the same portion.

Thanks to its mineral content, it can reduce the symptoms of depression, help improve sleep quality, and is effective in maintaining intestinal health.

Tempeh is a pretty good source of riboflavin (vitamin B2). It also contains other B vitamins.

It is a good protein source and meat substitute for vegan diets, you can try consuming tempeh in your recipes and diets.

Tempeh Quick Nutrition Facts

Here's a quick nutrition overview for 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of tempeh:

• Energy: 192 calories
• Carbs: 7.64 grams
• Protein: 20.3 grams
• Fat: 10.8 grams
• Saturated Fat: 2.54 grams

Jump to a section where you can learn more about tempeh nutrition value, including macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, protein quality, and more.

Health Benefits of Tempeh

Thanks to a significant amount of specific vitamins and minerals, tempeh could provide several health benefits.

Continue reading to discover the potential benefits of consuming tempeh.

They May Lower the Risk of Autoimmune Disorders

Manganese is an integral part of the body’s antioxidant mechanisms. It helps in the synthesis of an enzyme called superoxide dismutase, which acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body and prevents oxidative stress linked to the high risk of cancer, autoimmune disorders, and diabetes.

It is a vital nutrient that helps in the formation of connective tissue, blood clotting factors, bones, and reproductive hormones.

Manganese also supports the metabolism of fat and carbohydrate and enhances calcium absorption. It can help with blood sugar regulation, thereby improving glycemic control in patients with diabetes.

It is also needed for normal nerve and brain function. When combined with other nutrients like calcium and zinc, manganese can support the bone formation processes and improve bone mineral density.

This is especially important for postmenopausal women and older men who are at a higher risk of osteoporosis due to the decline in bone mineral density.

It can also reduce inflammation and hence, can be useful as a potential therapeutic agent for the management of inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.

May Improve Teeth and Bone Health

The primary function of phosphorus is linked to the formation of teeth and bones.

It also plays a role in regulating the utilization of carbohydrates and fats in the body, thus ensuring a steady supply of fuel to the cells.

It can improve glycemic control in patients with diabetes and reduce the risk of complications.

Phosphorus is also needed for the synthesis of proteins, which form the building blocks of the tissues of the body.

This effect of phosphorus can support the growth and development of the body’s organs.

It can also improve the maintenance and repair of the organs by accelerating the healing of the tissues damaged due to free radicals, inflammation, toxic exposure, and age-related degenerative changes.

This can help sustain the normal activities of the body and improve general health.

Phosphorus also helps to remove unwanted waste material from the body, thus reducing the toxic overload and cleansing the blood. This can restore healthy bodily functions and reduce the risk of several diseases.

They May Reduce the Risk of Mood Disorders and Depression

Magnesium has the ability to stimulate the normal activities of the nervous system and reduce the risk of mood disorders and depression.

This mineral also plays a key role in improving the duration and quality of sleep.

It maintains the chemical balance in the nervous system and creates a sense of calmness and relaxation that is favorable for getting sound sleep.

Magnesium can also regulate the secretion of neurotransmitters in the brain, thus stimulating the production of the sleep hormone called melatonin. It can elevate the melatonin levels in the nervous system, thus reducing the time needed to fall asleep.

Magnesium is important for maintaining bone health and improving the utilization of glucose for energy. It also supports immune function and regulates blood pressure and lung functions.

It can fight inflammation and improve digestion, thereby relieving constipation. It can prevent the risk of diseases linked to chronic inflammation, such as diabetes and cancer, and improve general health.

They May Boost Red Cells Production

Copper is needed by the body for several functions, including the formation of red blood cells.

It can also support nerve functions and improve the transmission of signals between different parts of the body.

It can keep the nerve cells healthy and reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Copper is also needed for the optimal functioning of the nervous system. It can improve mood by regulating the balance of hormones in the brain.

It can support the defense mechanisms of the immune system involved in infection prevention.

Copper also helps in the formation of collagen, a protein that makes up our skin, bones, and other tissues. It protects the cells from damage and improves the absorption of iron in the body, thereby increasing the availability of this vital nutrient.

Copper is also needed for regulating carbohydrate metabolism. It can help to convert sugar into a usable form of energy, thus ensuring the body receives a steady supply of fuel to perform its critical functions.