For women with a history of breast cancer, it is a good idea to talk to a physician before making dietary changes to increase soy intake. Best Bets for Healthy Eating Where possible, choose soy foods, such as tempeh and soy nuts, made from whole soybeans. Choose tofu made with a calcium-containing curdling agent. To help lower cholesterol, choose high-protein soy foods like textured vegetable protein and soy nuts. Store whole dry soybeans in an airtight container for up to one year.
Green soybeans are usually available frozen and can be stored in a freezer for up to six months.
Store soy flour in a freezer or refrigerator for up to six months. Soy nuts should be refrigerated and used within three months or frozen and used within six months. Tofu is often packaged in water and should be refrigerated and used within one week. Changing the water daily will help to keep the tofu fresh. Tofu in unopened shelf-stable packages does not need to be refrigerated and should be used by the expiration date on the package.