Health Benefits from Tofu

Tofu has been a favorite food for the Far East Asians all through. It is only recently that this excellent food has started gaining in popularity in the Western civilized societies. But what exactly is tofu? Tofu is a kind of soy curd with a cheese like texture. It is prepared by processing  soy milk with a coagulant.

The milk curdles leaving behind a white and soft crumbly semi solid mass. But is it good for our health? Or are we opting for yet another fancy food stuff which does nothing to improve the quality of our nutrition? Let’s find out…

Protein- An excellent source of protein, a half cup of tofu contains almost double the quantity of protein that you will get from a glass full of milk. It is in fact a greater source of protein than a 3oz egg. The best part is that it is completely vegetarian in origin and can provide adequate amount of protein to people who are strict vegetarians.

Calorie Count- A half cup of tofu contains just a little more calories than an equal measure of milk. Other animal sources of fat or even cheese have enormous quantities of calories in comparison to tofu.

Calcium- Tofu is rich in calcium as well and contains 227 mg of the beneficial element per half cup. However, the actual quantity will depend on the brand as well as the process of preparation. Silken Tofu, on the other hand, contains a little less calcium than the normal firm variety.

Iron- Tofu has a quantity of iron too and is recommended for women in particular. The high requirement of iron in women can be fulfilled to some extent by including tofu in the  daily diet.

Organic Brand- You may also find several non genetically modified or organic brands of tofu in the market. Brands like Nasoya brand and Mori-nu organic are even healthier than the commonly available brands of tofu. Silken variety of Tofu contains sodium.

Vitamins- Tofu particularly organic tofu is rich in phytoestrogens which ease menstrual problems in women. Vitamin E as well as Vitamin A are present in organic tofu as well.