Gain Health by Eating Tofu, The Power Food

What is Tofu?

Tofu is a soft cheese-like food made by compressing curdled soymilk into blocks. It has a very mild taste, absorbing the flavor of anything it is paired with. Silken tofu is smooth and breaks easily like an egg custard Italian panna cotta, while firm tofu is springy and porous, and can substitute for meat in many dishes.

Powerful Food?

Tofu is definitely a  power food because of its nutritional value.  Tofu is high in protein, iron, and several other minerals, while being low in cholesterol and other fats. Tofu also takes a short time to cook. As opposed to roasting meat for an hour or more, tofu can be quickly pan fried in a matter of minutes or even eaten raw in soups or desserts. With these facts in mind, it's simple to see why many people opt for this power food instead of red meat streaked with fat.

Plus, on its owns, tofu has virtually no taste, but it easily absorbs any flavor you pair it with. It can take on any marinade, herb, spice, sauce, or anything else you cook it in, so it can be very diverse across many different types of cuisines.

What Are The Health Benefits of Tofu?

Tofu is a rich source of both high quality protein and B-vitamins, so it’s the natural substitute for meat in vegetarian recipes.  Tofu also contains a high amount of calcium, which originates from the coagulant in the curdling process.  This is when the soy proteins are precipitated with calcium, which is essential to the prevention of osteoporosis.

Like most other soy foods, tofu reduces heart disease by lowering the level of the "bad" LDL cholesterol, and as the result maintaining the level of "good" HDL cholesterol.

Tofu is also rich in isoflavones. Firm tofu contains about 35mg isoflavones per 100g. Isoflavones reduce the risk of osteoporosis,a disease associated with reduced bone density and increased bone fractures. Isoflavones also reduce the risk of breast prostate cancer, and inhibit menopausal symptoms like mood swings and hot flashes.