Tofu is also known as bean curd, which is a food made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curd into soft white blocks. It has a subtle flavor and can be used in savory and sweet dishes. Tofu has many health benefits and could be a great addition to your diet. We’ll tell you why tofu is so good for you.
1. High in protein
Tofu is one of the richest sources of protein. Every 100 grams of tofu yields approximately 17.19 g of protein. Eating protein will keep you full for longer and will prevent overeating. Tofu can be a good replacement for meat, for vegetarians, since it is a powerful source of protein.
2. Lowers the risk of cancer
According to a new study published in the journal Food Research International soybean peptides may slow cancerous growths. Researchers from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville have given one possible reason for these cancer-fighting benefits. The reason is that soybean peptides might block one or more of the pathways in cancerous cells where the exchange of gases and nutrients takes place for growth and development.
3. Rich in Phyto-nutrients
Fermented tofu is rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants protect your body from free radical damage. Fermented tofu has these phytonutrients in a more concentrated form and with increased bioavailability. But on the other hand, tofu also contains phytates which are an anti nutritional factor and hinder in absorption of different minerals. Therefore, to minimize the anti nutritional factor, try to consume minimally processed tofu because minimally processed tofu contains 1.4-3.0% phytates only.
4. Cardiovascular benefits
Tofu has more bioactive peptides than non-fermented soy foods, which are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and blood pressure-lowering properties. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of soy peptides found in tofu can help protect the blood vessels from oxidative and inflammatory damage.
Include tofu in your diet to pack your diet with protein and get many more health benefits. But don’t just focus on soy protein. Make sure you include all kinds of protein in your diet such as milk protein, whey protein, egg protein, etc. Soy is an essential part of a balanced diet and can help you lose weight and prevent various health problems.