Posted inNutrition / Diet

What are the benefits of tofu?

May 3, 2021
What are the benefits of tofu?

Soybean curds are used to make tofu. It’s naturally gluten-free and calorie-free. It doesn’t have any cholesterol and is high in iron and calcium.

It’s an essential source of protein for vegans and vegetarians alike.

It also contains isoflavones such as phytoestrogens. Isoflavones can act as both oestrogen agonists and oestrogen antagonists. These can aid in the prevention of some cancers, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Overconsumption, on the other hand, could pose some risks.

Curds of soymilk are coagulated to make tofu. The curds are then pressed and compacted into tofu, which is a gelatinous white block.

Simple facts you need to know about Tofu

Here are a few important points to remember about tofu. The main article has more details.

  • For many vegetarians and vegans, tofu is an essential source of protein.
  • It can aid in the reduction of “bad” LDL cholesterol.
  • It may help alleviate some of the symptoms of menopause.
  • Tofu contains 177 calories per cube.

Nutritional value

A 122-gram block of hard tofu contains the following ingredients

Thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B-6, choline, manganese, and selenium are all present in limited quantities.

Tofu’s main ingredient is soy. It is a full source of dietary protein, meaning it contains all of the essential amino acids that the body needs. Soybeans are also high in polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid, which is good for you.

Isoflavones, which are found in soy foods, have been related to a variety of health benefits as well as some risks.

Soy’s calcium and magnesium content can help to strengthen bones, relieve PMS symptoms, control blood sugar, and prevent migraine headaches.

Health benefits

Tofu cube
Tofu may be used in place of meat or added to a wide range of dishes.

A diet rich in plant-based foods tends to promote better health and wellbeing, as well as a lower risk of diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.

It may improve the appearance of skin and hair, increase energy, and aid in the maintenance of a healthy weight.

Tofu’s high levels of isoflavones have been linked to a lower risk of many age- and lifestyle-related diseases in studies.

1. Cardiovascular disease

Soy isoflavines have been found to help lower LDL “bad” cholesterol levels while having no effect on HDL or “good” cholesterol levels.

Soy intake on a daily basis has been shown in studies to lower indicators of cardiovascular disease risk, such as weight, body mass index (BMI), and total cholesterol. The FDA has set a daily soy protein intake of 25 grammes as the minimum requirement for lowering cholesterol levels.

Tofu, as an alternative to animal protein, may help lower LDL cholesterol levels. As a result, the risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure is reduced.

2. Cancers of the breast and uterus

Several clinical and laboratory studies have indicated that genistein, soy’s most abundant isoflavone, has antioxidant properties that may slow cancer cell growth.

There has been some debate in the past regarding the protection of soy consumption after a breast cancer diagnosis. Isoflavones have a chemical structure that is similar to estrogen, and high estrogen levels can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Eating small quantities of whole soy foods, or fewer than two servings a day, does not appear to affect tumor growth or the risk of developing breast cancer.

Instead, there is mounting evidence that daily soy consumption can lower the risk of recurrence of breast cancer. However, there isn’t enough evidence to suggest soy to all breast cancer survivors just yet.

More research is needed to validate how genistein functions, how it can be used therapeutically, and its bioavailability, or how well the body can absorb it, according to the researchers.

3. Diabetes type 2

Kidney disease is common in people with type 2 diabetes, and it causes the body to excrete an abnormal amount of protein in the urine.

According to one study, those who ingested only soy protein in their diet excreted less protein than those who consumed only animal protein.

Patients with type 2 diabetes, according to the researchers, may benefit from this.

4. Kidney health

Protein, especially soy protein, can improve renal function, which could be beneficial to people on dialysis or who have had a kidney transplant.

Soy had a beneficial impact on certain biomarkers in people with chronic kidney disease, according to a meta analysis of nine studies.

This could be due to its protein content, but it could also be due to its effect on blood lipid levels.

5. Osteoporosis

Soy isoflavones, particularly after menopause, can help reduce bone loss and increase bone mineral density. They’ve also been said to help with other menopausal symptoms.

6. Symptoms of menopause

Because of the phytoestrogens found in soy products, some research suggests that they may help alleviate symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes.

Although each woman’s symptoms may vary, hot flashes tend to be much less frequent in Asian countries, where soy consumption is higher.

Although there have been mixed reports, there is evidence that consuming genistein-rich soy products can help reduce the frequency and intensity of hot flashes.

More research is required, however, to determine exactly what happens and why.

7. Damage to the liver

Any kind of tofu curdled with various coagulants, according to one rat study, can help prevent liver damage caused by free radicals.

8. Age-related brain diseases

According to population reports, there is a lower prevalence of age-related mental illnesses in areas where people eat more soy.

The findings, however, have been mixed.

Treatment with soy isoflavones was related to improved performance in nonverbal memory, verbal fluency, and other functions, according to one study.

In a separate small study involving 65 Alzheimer’s patients over the age of 60, the same group found no evidence that soy isoflavines provided any cognitive benefits.

However, research published in 2017 indicated that soy products may benefit people with Alzheimer’s disease because they contain lecithin, which aids in the production of the phospholipids phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylserine by the body (PS). Neurons depend heavily on PA and PS to work properly.

Suggestions for preparation

Tofu is available in a variety of textures, including extra firm, firm, soft, or silken.

  • Tofu that is firm or extra-firm is denser than soft or silken tofu and holds its shape better when cooked. This makes it suitable for grilling and stir-frying.
  • In casseroles and soups, soft tofu fits well.
  • Silken tofu is ideal for puddings and dips, and it can also be blended into smoothies to boost protein content.

Tofu is a popular ingredient in Asian cooking, particularly in East and Southeast Asia. It can be quickly integrated into any recipe due to its neutral flavour.

Many meat alternatives, such as tofu sausages and tofu burgers, contain tofu. These have the same flavour and texture as the beef they’re imitating.

Tofu is used in the following healthy dishes:

Powered-up lasagna

Slow-cooker Thai coconut curry

Savory stuffed peppers and potatoes

Risks factors

While soy foods can be a healthy alternative to meat, there is some debate about some of their health benefits.

Breast cancer risk

Some researchers believe that a high soy intake is linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.

Geographic research, on the other hand, indicate that in areas where women eat more soy, the risk of breast cancer is lower. This risk cannot be confirmed because there is insufficient evidence from human clinical trials.

Furthermore, the effect tends to be limited to a particular form of estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer.

Early rodent studies indicated that a high soy intake could promote tumour development, but later research discovered that rats metabolise soy differently than humans, invalidating the earlier findings.

Whole soy foods in moderate quantities are actually thought to have no effect on tumour growth or the risk of developing breast cancer.

Other studies have shown that eating at least 10 milligrammes (mg) of soy per day will reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence by 25%.

Others believe that because of how soy isoflavones function, they can aid in disease prevention. They demand that the matter be looked into further.

Processing’s effects

Animal studies have also indicated that the degree to which an isoflavone-containing product has been processed influences the risk of tumour development.

Tofu and other soy foods that have undergone limited processing, such as soybeans or edamame, tofu, tempeh, and soymilk, are preferable.

Tofu sausages, for example, can contain additives such as sodium and flavourings that make them less nutritious. When purchasing packaged foods, it is important to read the nutrition label.

Fertility and feminization

Another problem with a high soy intake is that the phytoestrogen in soy produce can have a slightly feminising effect, which could lead to complications including gynecomastia (male breast development) or fertility issues.

However, the effect is unlikely to be significant enough to preclude soy from being used in baby and other foods.

Genetically modified soy

Soy products from the United States are often genetically modified (GM). Hexane, a solvent used to extract oil from soy beans, can also be used to treat soy products.

Organic food could be a safe option for those worried about genetic manipulation or hexane production.

Rather than concentrating on one food item, the secret to good health is to live a healthy lifestyle with a balanced and varied diet and daily exercise.

Sources

Last updated on May 3, 2021