Tofu: 12 benefits and properties of this super healthy food

This food is a very healthy ingredient to include in your daily diet. Although people with kidney problems or a history of breast cancer should consult their doctor before consuming it, in general tofu is a super healthy food.

Tofu can be considered a substitute for cheese made from any type of milk. Even the process for its preparation is similar, based on the soy milk that results from grinding soaked soy or soy beans.

Tofu has more benefits and properties than you can imagine.

Its origin dates back to about 2000 years in China. It is said that it was discovered by accident and since its creation it was incorporated into the gastronomy of this country, becoming an indispensable part of Chinese cuisine.

It was only in the 1950s that it reached the rest of the world. The properties and benefits of tofu made it a super food that was quickly incorporated into the diet of people seeking a healthier lifestyle. And it is not for less, since its benefits are many.

1. High protein content

Tofu is a food that contains a lot of protein. But not only that, it also contains essential amino acids, which helps these proteins contained in tofu to be better absorbed by the body.

For this reason, among all the benefits and properties that tofu has, is to be an excellent substitute for meat, not only because of the versatility of its flavor, but also because of its high protein content.

2. Hormonal regulator

Another incredible benefit of tofu is as a hormonal regulator for women. Tofu is also known for its isoflavone content. This chemical compound is an excellent aid in the endocrine system responsible for the secretion of hormones.

Its consumption has been proven to help regulate hormonal processes that cause hot flashes, acne and general discomfort. So it is recommended for women who are about to enter menopause or anyone who has some type of hormonal imbalance.

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3. Strengthens bones

Tofu is an ally to prevent osteoporosis. This is because among the properties of tofu is its content of phytoestrogens. This compound is an ally in the strengthening of bones and the assimilation of calcium.

In this way, complementing with an adequate diet, the frequent consumption of tofu and soybeans in In general, it significantly reduces the possibility of developing osteoporosis or general weakening of the bones.

4. Helps the nervous system

Among the vitamins that tofu contains, are those of the group of B vitamins. Although it has a greater presence of vitamins B1, in general it has a high content of this vitamin group, which is closely linked to the nervous system.

Consuming tofu daily makes people feel more focused and energetic. A strong nervous system also allows good muscle function.

5. Cholesterol in check

Among the properties and benefits of tofu is that of regulating cholesterol levels. Another important compound in tofu is lecithin, a fat that helps level cholesterol that enters the bloodstream.

Additionally, the fiber in tofu also contributes to this purpose. However, it is also high in unsaturated fatty acids (healthier than saturated fats), so the fat required by the body is covered with the consumption of tofu.

6. Control sugar levels

Tofu has the ability to keep blood sugar levels in check. Regular consumption of tofu, especially in patients with diabetes, has been shown to helps to prevent sugar levels from rising above what is recommended.

Although this must be accompanied by a suitable diet, it is undoubted that the consumption of this food is a good aid to control blood glucose levels. Because of this, it is recommended for diabetic people to consume it.

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7. Calcium

Calcium is also present among the compounds in tofu. Although the amount is not exaggerated, an average dose of tofu carries a third of the recommended daily dose of this mineral, so it is a good food to obtain calcium.

This, together with the phytoestrogens it contains, make tofu an ally for strengthening bones. However, calcium has other benefits in the body, such as tooth enamel, clotting, and even as a tranquilizer.

8. Iron

Tofu is also a source of iron. For this reason tofu can be added to a diet that requires counteracting anemia. The amount of iron that this food provides covers almost half of what the body needs daily.

However, it needs to be supplemented with a source of vitamin C to promote absorption. In turn, iron allows a good absorption of calcium in the bones, which is why tofu is a very complete and super healthy food.

9. Auxiliary in heart health

Due to its compounds, tofu is a food that helps keep the heart healthy. As mentioned, its unsaturated fats, amino acids, protein content, and vitamins help keep the blood cholesterol level under control.

So it is considered that one of the best benefits and properties of tofu that it can be added to a diet that promotes good cardiovascular health. In this way, you are helping to keep your cholesterol at a healthy level.

10. Low in calories

Another good reason to consume tofu is that it is low in calories. This makes it an ideal food for a diet that aims to reduce sizes. In addition to its low portion of calories, the property it has to control sugar levels, make it a dietary food.

As already mentioned, tofu has minerals, vitamins and a significant amount of protein, so it is a very complete food which is very useful in a diet to lose weight in a way healthy.

11. Substitute in the kitchen

Tofu can be used to replace other foods of animal origin. Tofu is very popular with people who are inclined towards a vegan or vegetarian diet. The reason for this is that it is a food that, due to its amount of protein, easily substitutes for meat.

But in addition, tofu also works as an egg substitute in recipes in which it is used to join, as in the case of hamburgers or "pancakes", and even for some types of bread.

12. Low cost

An important benefit of tofu is its low cost. Compared to other ingredients, such as meat, tofu is a low-priced foodYou can even make homemade tofu and enjoy its benefits at a lower cost.

In addition, the environmental impact of its preparation is much lower than other types of food, especially processed. Without a doubt, this property is also something very important to rescue as one of the benefits of tofu.

Bibliographic references

• Rizzo, G., & Baroni, L. (2018). Soy, Soy Foods and Their Role in Vegetarian Diets. Nutrients, 10 (1), 43.

• Eze, N. M., et al. (2018). Acceptability and consumption of tofu as a meat alternative among secondary school boarders in Enugu State, Nigeria: Implications for nutritional counseling and education. Medicine, 97 (45).