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Tuesday 24 July 2012

Ch-ch-changes

If you've been in to Teaism lately, you may have noticed a few changes. The tofu noodle salad is gone, as is the tofu scramble, the tofu side, and in fact, all of the tofu on our menu. In its place we are serving seitan and tempeh (a fermented soy product). 


We know that some of you are disappointed by these menu modifications, but as Marcus Aurelius once said: 
"The universe is change; our life is what our thoughts make it."
In other words, we like to think that these are changes for the better. Let me explain: there are myriad factors behind our decision to cut all unfermented soy products from Teaism's menu. Firstly, our research shows that more than 80% of the soy grown in the USA is genetically modified. Companies selling the products have lobbied against labeling, so it's impossible to know whether or not you are getting GMO foods. 


More importantly, unfermented soy products (such as tofu) have been proven to pose significant health risks. Unfermented soy has high levels of phytic acid which inhibits absorption of iron and other necessary minerals. Soy isoflavones can disrupt hormonal balance in men and women; overindulging in soy products can cause estrogen dominance. A diet high in soy has been linked to thyroid problems, cancer of the brain and breast, kidney stones, and reproductive disorders, among others. 


To be clear, tempeh, soy sauce, and miso are all fermented soy products, and so do not fall into this category. Sadly edamame will be going the way of our other soy dishes, to be replaced by kale chips... In the mean time, we appreciate your patience as we implement these changes! 




Pictured above: the brand new Lemon Maple Grilled Tempeh Burger, our replacement for the tofu-shiitake patty that used to be our veggie burger. It's served on whole grain focaccia with marinated portobello mushrooms, tomato, and a green salad on the side. 


For more information on the soy debate, check out Dr. Mercola's site on the evidence against soy, or Dr. Kaayal Daniel's book entitled The Whole Soy Story: The Dark Side of America's Favorite Health Food. As always, we welcome your feedback at Teaism, so let us know what you think about these changes. 


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