Tofu is a curd made from the milk of pressed soybeans. It has a gelatinous texture and doesn't really have a flavor of its own. However, it will take on the flavor of anything you cook it with.
It is mostly found in East Asian and Southeast Asian cuisines. It is originated 2000 years ago in China. Tofu is bought or made to be soft, firm, or extra firm. 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 is a good source of protein and contains all eight essential amino acids. It is also an excellent source of iron and calcium and the minerals manganese, selenium and phosphorous. In addition, tofu is a good source of magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1.
How to incorporate Tofu into our daily diet?
Firm and extra firm tofu is denser than soft or silken tofu, and retains more of its shape when cooked. This makes it suitable for grilling and stir-frying.
Soft tofu works well in casseroles and soups.
Silken tofu is best for puddings and dips, and can also be blended into smoothies for added protein.
More information of Tofu can be find in detailed books like Asian Tofu, The Book of Tofu and many more.
1.Excellent Protein Source
Tofu, made from soybean curds, is naturally gluten-free and low calorie, contains no cholesterol and is an excellent source of protein, iron, and calcium. It is an important source of protein especially for vegans, vegetarians and those looking to move toward a more plant-based diet.
2.Cardiovascular Diseases
It helps in cardiovascular diseases. Consuming tofu as an alternative to animal protein lowers levels of LDL cholesterol, which in turn decreases the risk of atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
It has Cancer Prevention Benefits. The research in soy products proved that it plays effective role on fighting against cancer. The intake of tofu proved that it reduces the stomach cancer than other soy products. It also prevent some cancers like colon, breast and prostate cancer to certain extent. The research are still going on to find more information about the healing effects in the tofu. The genistein is important to control the growth of the cancer cells in the body. Genistein is found in the fermented soy products and fermented tofu in high level. In case of prostate cancer, Genistein decreases the tumor formation that leads to reduce the risk of prostate.
Its benefit for weight Loss is awesome. Just replace 1 carbohydrate food such as rice or bread with tofu. Intake of tofu satisfies appetite and avoid eating unnecessary portions of food in small intervals.
Very good for Osteoporosis patients. Soy isoflavones are known to decrease bone loss and increase bone mineral density during menopause, and have also been reported to reduce other menopausal symptoms.
The energy level is high in the tofu. The main components that increases the energy level are selenium and iron. These two components enhance the level of energy produced in the body. For athletes, energy is more important to win the game. Tofu dishes are eaten to maintain the energy level for a longer time to win the game by the athletes.
7.Diabetes and Blood Pressure
Some researches results that intake of tofu leads to lower blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. The obesity is the biggest problems that leads a way to all the harmful diseases. Most of the diseases, the reason or the cause of the disease includes the obesity. Many preventive measures are taken to control obesity in all the age groups, especially in children and younger adults. The doctors recommend tofu to satisfy the appetite that occurs many times to obesity people. Tofu has the quality to fill the stomach with healthy and lower fat level content that helps to reduce weight and gain a healthy body.
The protein present in tofu helps to rebuild a damaged liver and provides nutritional constituents that enhance the function of the liver. Tofu both digests and absorbs easily into the body and is naturally low in fat, making it conducive to a balanced diet.
The rich calcium content in soya curd supports healthy bones and teeth development. The teeth and bones health are essential for humans. If they maintain strong bones and healthy teeth, they are free from hazardous diseases. To maintain healthy teeth and bones, calcium plays important role to get these benefits. In soya curd or tofu has high calcium content and it varies in case of processed tofu and other varieties.
Tofu helps to improve the health of tissues and cells. The proteins in the tofu are easily digestible. The children who takes tofu at regular intervals get high quality of protein and healthy body. The rich content of protein and best quality of protein enables to build a strong and healthy muscles.
