The health benefits of tofu depend on your consumption level.
What You Need to Know About Eating Tofu
- 1. Tofu is a processed food
- 2. Avoid eating too much tofu at once
- 3. Excessive tofu consumption can disrupt male hormones
- 4. Tofu is beneficial during menopause
- 5. Tofu contains vitamin D
- 6. Tofu may cause thyroid issues
- 7. Tofu helps increase calcium for bone development
- 8. Tofu is an ideal food for dieting and weight loss
- 9. Cancer prevention
- 10. A substitute for meat protein, promoting longevity
- 4 groups of people who should avoid tofu
- Types of tofu to avoid
>>> How to avoid purchasing tofu with gypsum
Tofu is a food that has sparked considerable debate among scientists due to differing opinions. Some proponents argue that tofu, made from soybeans, is a healthy food and one of the best sources of protein. Others claim that tofu is a processed food and lacks the nutritional value of fresh foods.
However, we know that tofu can provide protein for vegetarians. Whether tofu is good or bad for your health depends on the amount you consume. Eating too much tofu can lead to hormonal imbalances in the body.
Let’s explore more about tofu with the following information:
1. Tofu is a processed food
As a food made from soybeans, tofu contains preservatives and is artificially produced. It does not possess the qualities of pure natural foods.
2. Avoid eating too much tofu at once
Tofu is high in protein, making it suitable for vegetarians or those looking to lose weight. However, consuming too much tofu at once can lead to bloating and indigestion.
3. Excessive tofu consumption can disrupt male hormones
Soy contains isoflavones, a compound that increases estrogen levels in the body. If you are male, consuming too many soy products, including tofu, can disrupt your reproductive hormone balance.
4. Tofu is beneficial during menopause
For women, increased estrogen levels can help alleviate symptoms of menopause or correct hormonal imbalances.
5. Tofu contains vitamin D
Among vegetarian foods, soybeans are the richest source of vitamin D. Therefore, when processed into tofu, a significant amount of vitamin D is retained.
6. Tofu may cause thyroid issues
Individuals with thyroid problems should avoid consuming too much tofu or other soy products, as they can significantly affect hormonal balance in the body.
7. Tofu helps increase calcium for bone development
Tofu is a very popular soybean product. Its nutritional value is undeniably high, especially in terms of calcium content. Every 100g of tofu contains about 140-160 mg of calcium.
8. Tofu is an ideal food for dieting and weight loss
Additionally, tofu is high in protein, soybean isoflavones, iron, lecithin, and sugars. Thus, it can be seen as a low-calorie, low-fat food that is rich in protein, making it extremely suitable for those looking to use it for weight loss and maintaining a slim figure.
9. Cancer prevention
Eastern medicine believes that tofu has a cooling property and can nourish the body while detoxifying. The American Cancer Society states that the isoflavones in tofu have preventive, counteractive, and therapeutic effects against cancer. Additionally, tofu contains a significant amount of sterols and stigmasterols, which play an important role in preventing breast and prostate cancer.
It is particularly effective in preventing breast cancer in women because the soy isoflavones in tofu, known as phytoestrogens, help regulate estrogen levels in women.
10. A substitute for meat protein, promoting longevity
A study by the National Cancer Center of Japan found that replacing meat with tofu could extend lifespan. This is due to plant protein in tofu being associated with lower mortality rates.
According to data from over 70,000 people in Japan, replacing 3% of red meat protein with plant protein can reduce the risk of death by a quarter. Dr. Hu Bingchang from Harvard University also believes that plant proteins such as tofu, instead of red and processed meats, are very beneficial for health.
4 Groups of People Who Should Avoid Tofu
Although tofu is rich in nutrients, there are 4 groups of people who should refrain from consuming it:
- 1. The purine content in tofu is very high, so patients with gout or those with high uric acid should pay attention to the amount of tofu they consume, as it may exacerbate their condition.
- 2. Individuals with kidney disease: The kidneys are vital organs for detoxification and metabolism in our bodies. For men, having healthy kidneys not only improves physical appearance and temperament but also harmonizes marital relationships. However, individuals with poor kidney function should eat less or avoid tofu altogether, as tofu is rich in plant protein, which primarily relies on the kidneys for metabolism, potentially increasing the burden on them.
- 3. Those prone to bloating and diarrhea should not consume too much tofu.
- 4. Individuals with arteriosclerosis: Arteriosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease, and most cardiovascular diseases are serious. If not treated properly, they can lead to dire consequences. Those with arteriosclerosis should avoid eating tofu, as it contains methionine, which can undergo a series of reactions in the body, producing substances that may damage blood vessels.
Types of Tofu to Avoid
Sour Tofu
The ingredients for tofu are soybeans and water, so fresh tofu typically has the pleasant aroma of soybeans. However, due to its short shelf life, tofu that has expired will quickly develop a sour smell due to fermentation. Therefore, when purchasing tofu, if you can smell a strong sour odor, it’s best not to buy it.
Tofu with Many Holes
Freshly made tofu is soft and should not have too many holes. If tofu is stored for a long time in the refrigerator, it will begin to develop many holes. The more holes tofu has, the older it is, and you should avoid buying it.
Sticky Tofu
We all know that the ingredients for tofu are soybeans, which are rich in plant protein, usually having a certain elasticity, adequate moisture, and being very soft to the touch.
The shelf life of tofu is very short, especially in the summer, when it can turn sour and sticky after being stored for a long time. Therefore, when purchasing tofu, if you encounter this type, you should avoid buying it, as it may be tofu that has been left out for too long and has spoiled.
Bright White Tofu
Tofu with a shiny bright white color may contain some bleaching chemicals to extend its shelf life.
In the subconscious of many people, the whiter the tofu, the softer it is. However, the reality is the opposite. Tofu is made by mixing soybeans with water, and fundamentally, there is no need to add too many other ingredients to it, so fresh tofu typically has a light yellow color.
If you notice tofu has a shiny bright white color when purchasing, the ingredients that make up this tofu may contain some chemicals for whitening and extending its shelf life. Therefore, regularly consuming this type of tofu can lead to serious health issues.
