Tofu is a byproduct of soybeans that essentially helps in maintaining cardiovascular health. It also boasts a wealth of different health benefits, including a lower risk of cancer, anemia, osteoporosis, and kidney diseases, as well as lower cholesterol levels. It is a good source of protein, eases menopause symptoms, and prevents hair loss.
What is Tofu?
Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a food prepared by pressing coagulated soy milk into flat white blocks. It has been a common ingredient in global cuisines, such as Chinese food, for many centuries. This power-packed food substitute is ideal for vegetarians and vegans all around the world because it contains no traces of animal products of any kind – it is a pure organic food that supplies a wealth of nutritive value in a variety of delicious ways. The name comes from the Japanese word “tofu”, but it is widely enjoyed in many countries for its extremely nutritious composition.
Nutritional Value of Tofu
It contains a very small amount of fat, but a large amount of protein, which is necessary for proper bodily functions. The low-calorie count also makes it an attractive option for people attempting to lose weight. Furthermore, it has very low levels of sodium and almost no cholesterol, both of which mean that tofu is beneficial for heart health.
9 Surprising Benefits of Tofu
The health benefits of Tofu include its ability to help lower cholesterol levels, prevent anemia and manage weight, among others.
1)Rich in Protein
The human body needs protein for it to function properly. Contrary to the belief of most people, protein is not only available in meat and meat products. Vegetarians also get the right amount of protein due to its availability in tofu, other soy products, and vegetables. These contain amino acids, which are required for optimal health. The frequent consumption of red meat, for example, has health implications that can lead to different diseases. Such conditions can be avoided by replacing a meat diet with one that is rich in tofu.
2)Treats Gout
Research conducted to study the effects of tofu suggests that it is a preferable source of protein, especially for gout patients with uric acid clearance more than the lower normal limit. However, people with gout should avoid very high consumption of tofu or other soy products.
3)Lowers Cholesterol Level
High cholesterol levels are one of the causative agents of heart-related ailments. As much as people try to avoid this kind of fat, it is present in most cooking oils and fats used in most homes and other eateries. It reduces the cholesterol level in the body due to its ability to absorb cooking oil and other liquids that, if accumulated in the body, could lead to various diseases. As compared to meats such as beef, tofu has lower levels of saturated fatty acids and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids. It is also a good source of lecithin and linoleic acid, which helps regulate the metabolism, along with the dispersion and elimination of cholesterol deposits in the body.
4)Prevents Anemia
Another health benefit of tofu includes a lower risk of anemia. A study conducted in China to investigate the association between anemia and tofu intake suggests that it does lower the risk of anemia among adults.
5)Manages Weight
Intake of tofu also aids in managing weight effectively. A study suggests that soy-based low-calorie diets have a beneficial effect on reduction of weight and blood lipids.
6)Anti-cancer Properties
It contains isoflavones, which are well known to be beneficial in reducing cancer risk. Research on soy intake and endometrial cancer suggests that a higher consumption of products such as tofu may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer in post-menopausal women. Another study suggests that post-menopausal women suffering from lung cancer may live longer by including it in their lifestyle. The organic compounds in tofu, namely isoflavones, are instrumental in helping manage the symptoms of menopause in women, and they have also been associated with a reduction in breast and prostate cancer.
7)Maintains Cardiovascular Health
The intake of proper food plays a very important role in maintaining cardiovascular health. Regular consumption of soy products like tofu may lower the levels of cholesterol and saturated fats in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
8)Keeps Bones Stronger
It is a good source of calcium, which is the key ingredient in bone formation. It is not easy to get this nutrient or mineral in the right quantity. This is why the intake of tofu is highly recommended since it has high levels of this element. Lack of calcium in the body could lead to osteoporosis, rapid aging due to brittle bones, and poor formation of new bones as well. Everyone is prone to aging at some point in their lives, but the effects of this age can be avoided by adopting measures such as consuming tofu, which slows down the entire process by keeping the bones strong.
6)Increases Blood Circulation
Iron plays a very important role in supplying oxygen to various body parts and subsequently, the body relies heavily on oxygen. It is the function of hemoglobin to transport this gas to every part of the body, which is essential in energy generation. Hemoglobin exists in the blood and is formed through the use of the iron that is present in the body. It helps to increase the blood circulation in the body, thanks to its iron and copper content. This prevents symptoms of anemia and keeps the organs running smoothly due to proper oxygenation.