No, soy sauce (tamari) is not a good source of vitamins. Soy sauce is made by fermenting soybeans and wheat, which results in an ingredient that contains very few vitamins or minerals. The only vitamin contained in soy sauce is Vitamin B1 from the fermented wheat. However, the amount of Vitamin B1 found in soy sauce is insignificant compared to other sources such as meat, seafood, legumes and cereals. Furthermore, many store-bought varieties of soy sauce contain high levels of sodium and added preservatives, neither of which add any nutritional value to your diet. Therefore, unless you are using it sparingly for flavoring dishes, soy sauce cannot be considered a healthy source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Introduction
Soy sauce (also known as tamari in certain parts of the world) is a condiment that has become ubiquitous within the global food system, offering an important flavor note for everything from sushi to French fries. While its umami-rich taste makes it essential for many dishes, soy sauce is also notable for its nutritional content. In particular, this salty liquid contains significant amounts of different vitamins that can benefit numerous aspects of our physical health and well-being – in this research paper we will explore the various vitamins found inside of soy sauce (tamari).
The Vitamins Found Inside of Tamari Soy Sauce
Vitamin A: One of the primary components of most forms of soy sauce (including tamari) is Vitamin A. This fat-soluble vitamin plays an incredibly important role in keeping the eyes healthy, while it is also used by the body in order to regulate cell division and growth, including the development of new blood vessels. Further, Vitamin A helps to maintain strong bones, teeth, and muscles and serves as a general support structure for human organs. Vitamin A is found in abundance within tamari soy sauce, particularly in the form of beta-carotene, which provides additional anti-inflammatory benefits.
Thiamin (Vitamin B1): Hydrolyzed proteins such as those present in tamari soy sauce are rich sources of thiamin, better known to us as Vitamin B1. Thiamin is an essential component of bodily metabolism, helping to break down carbohydrates into energy, and similar to Vitamin A, it is required for optimal organ function. Additionally, Vitamin B1 maintains healthy levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, improving overall mental wellbeing, yet perhaps just as importantly, this vitamin has been scientifically proven to help reduce feelings of stress and improve cognitive abilities like memory retention.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Another key component of hydrolysed proteins is riboflavin, more commonly referred to as Vitamin B2, which plays an instrumental part in providing energy to cells. Riboflavin helps combat complications related to digestion and supports the natural detoxification of the body, meaning individuals who eat foods containing high amounts of this vitamin are less likely to suffer from skin blemishes or excess bouts of fatigue. Moreover, Vitamin B2 is integral in supporting cellular renewal and reducing risks associated with a number of autoimmune diseases.
Niacin (Vitamin B3): Yet another hydrolysed protein, Niacin (or Vitamin B3) is a crucial nutrient for the maintenance of overall cardiovascular health. From assisting in the prevention of hypertension to enlisting its aid during cancer treatments, niacin is able to reduce cholesterol levels, keep arteries open and performing optimally, and even boost one’s immune system. Furthermore, niacin improves mental performance, reduces irritability, decreases physiological reactions to stress and assists with sleep regulation. All of these benefits make niacin one of the top vitamins present in tamari soy sauce.
Folate (Vitamin B9): Also sometimes referred to as folic acid or Vitamin B9, folate is included within tamari soy sauce in small but still impactful doses. Folate is largely responsible for cell regeneration, aiding in both embryonic and fetal development, however, it finds extensive use beyond reproduction as well – it helps produce serotonin and dopamine (two key hormones focusing on mood regulation) and keeps DNA fragments in line. As expected, any deficiencies of this vitamin can lead to heightened bouts of depression, low energy levels, digestive issues, memory loss, and even infertility difficulties.
Choline: Finally, though not technically classified as a vitamin, choline remains extremely beneficial in maintaining and/or optimizing daily life; choline contributes to increased muscle control, enhanced focus and attention, improved sleep quality and mental acuity, lower risk factors for chronic diseases, protection against dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, grown nerve connections, accelerated cardiovascular functioning, plus much more. High concentrations exist within tamari soy sauce, ensuring potential buyers have access to all of the above-mentioned benefits without prior supplementation efforts.
Conclusion
Overall, tamari soy sauce contains substantial amounts of several types of vitamins, minerals, and substances in addition to its core ingredient profile. These include Vitamin A, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, and choline – each of which plays an instrumental part in the maintenance of good health, protection against illnesses, and providing a steady flow of energy to the body. As such, besides inherently possessing a delightful flavor, adding this condiment to regular diets can be very advantageous in terms of both short-term nutrition and long-term wellbeing.
Vitamin B1 | 0.06 mg | |
Vitamin B2 | 0.15 mg | |
Vitamin B3 | 0.00395 grams | |
Vitamin B4 | 0.0384 grams | |
Vitamin B5 | 0.38 mg | |
Vitamin B6 | 0.2 mg | |
Vitamin B9 | 0.018 mg |