Benefits of Tofu

Tofu is made from the yogurt of soybean milk and enriched with high nutritious value. Protein rich is what bests describes tofu. Chinese in origin, tofu is a part of staple diets in many oriental countries in South East Asia. Tofu was first made during the reign of Han dynasty in ancient China, and has since then enjoyed a special place in the Chinese cuisine. Although its bland, tofu has an amazing capacity to take the flavor of the other foods its cooked in. This versatility, has what's made tofu a world favorite.

Nutrition Facts

Read through the nutritional value to better understand 'why tofu should be a regular part of your diet'. More so, if one is a vegetarian! Nutritional value varies depending on the coagulant used in producing tofu, and the way its cooked. The following table is for half a cup of firm tofu, equivalent to 126 g, prepared with coagulant calcium sulfate and magnesium chloride.

Nutrient	Nutritional Value
Calories	88.2 calories
Protein	10.3 g
Calcium	253 mg
Potassium	186 mg
Phosphorous	152 g
Magnesium	46.6 mg
Sodium	15.2 mg
Water	107 g
Folate	23.9 mcg
Vitamin K	3.0 mcg
Carbohydrates	2.1mg
Fat	5.3mg

Tofu Health Benefits

Besides the taste it can take up and the relative ease it can be made, tofu offers lots of benefits. For vegetarians, tofu stands as equal to cottage cheese, when it comes to getting protein (specifically soy protein), calcium, vitamins and minerals.

Tofu being low in fat, cholesterol and calories promotes heart health. Tofu is known to lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels that are known to cause the maximum damage to heart. The soy protein and isoflavones present in tofu reduce the incidence of atherosclerosis (arteries hardening) and the omega-3 fatty acids prevent the development and growth of blood clots. Besides this, soy protein addresses all heart diseases.

A combination of protein and calcium, combined with potassium, makes one's tissues and bones strong. Protein is essential to deal with all the wear and tear tissues and cells go through. Protein plays a vital role in building muscle. Weak muscles burden bones. Calcium and potassium makes the bones strong, lower the risk of developing osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Lactose intolerant people can enjoy tofu without any worry.

Soy has always been helpful in alleviating the symptoms associated with menopause. As tofu is a soy product, it contains isoflavones, diadzein and genistein. These phytoestrogen become very useful to menopausal women, as during menopause, a woman's estrogen fluctuates, either by rising or dropping below normal levels. Soy's phytoestrogen help maintain balance.

Other benefits of consuming tofu include its help in weight management. As it's low in fat and calories, and enriched with essential vitamin and minerals, it can aid one to lose weight and stay healthy. So go ahead, bake, fry, grill, steam or use them in curries or with vegetables, tofu will offer you plenty of benefits.