Tofu

Tofu

Tofu, also called bean curd, is a food made by coagulating soy milk and then pressing the resulting curds into soft white blocks. It is a component in many East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. There are many different varieties of tofu, including fresh tofu and tofu that has been processed in some way. Tofu has a subtle flavor and can be used in savory and sweet dishes. It is often seasoned or marinated to suit the dish.

Tofu has a low calorie count, relatively large amounts of protein, and little fat. It is high in iron and depending on the coagulant used in manufacturing, may also be high in calcium or magnesium.

Tofu In Cooking

Health Benefits of Tofu:

It contains isoflavones that reduce bad cholesterol levels in our body thus preventing cardiovascular diseases. Tofu is also an excellent source of iron which helps in the making of haemoglobin. It is indeed a perfect food due to its composition. It has high amounts of proteins, zero cholesterol, and low amounts of carbs. It also has high amounts of calcium and vitamin E. Here’s a list of problems tofu will keep at bay when consumed on a regular basis.

Cancer:
Tofu being a good source of selenium – a mineral needed by the body for the proper functioning of the antioxidant system – protects our system from colon cancer. Men can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by eating tofu. According to studies, women who consume good amounts of tofu are 60% less likely to have ‘high risk’ breast tissues than women who eat less amounts or do not eat tofu.

Menopause:
Tofu has a high dose of calcium content which is required by women when they hit menopause. It helps reduce hot flashes , prevent the high bone-loss risk related to menopause. It is also effective in preventing rheumatoid arthritis. It is also helpful during pre-menopausal stage when there is an imbalance in the estrogen levels.   

Ageing:
Another benefit of eating tofu regularly is that it slows down the ageing process considerably. Tofu helps retain the elasticity of the skin and tones the facial muscles which in turn prevents ageing. Making a paste of tofu and applying it on your face is also a good idea as it nourishes the skin.

Hair loss:
The human hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin. By eating tofu, your hair gets the required protein to produce hair more and keep the existing ones healthy. Instead of splurging on expensive treatments, add tofu to your daily diet to solve hair loss issues.

Tofu is one of the best sources of protein for vegans (people who do not eat meat or milk products) and vegetarians, so stock up lots of it and reap in its benefits.

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