Contributed by Harleen Kaur
Introduction
Tofu is a rising star in a world where everyone wants to eat healthily. It is also known as bean curd and is a food made from soy milk that resembles soft cheese. It is a vegan alternative to paneer which is abundant in calcium, proteins, as well as other nutrients. Tofu has long been a staple of Asian cuisines like Chinese, Thai, and Japanese.
This is an excellent meal for weight watchers and provides a treat for those attempting to lose weight thanks to its creaminess, flavour, and texture. Additionally, tofu is an excellent source of calcium, which supports overall health and immunity while still being high in proteins, making it more than just a protein-rich food. Unlike paneer, tofu is not uncomfortable for lactose-intolerant persons to consume.
Here we are helping you with some health benefits that you should know about that make tofu a better alternative to paneer.
Supports heart health
Tofu is an excellent food that promotes heart health. It has a lot of minerals like calcium, selenium, and copper, which are essential for supporting heart health. It also includes fibre, and protein, all of which help to improve heart health. It is also advised to consume soy products as they can improve heart health by lowering blood pressure, raising good cholesterol, and reducing bad cholesterol.
Supports healthy liver
Antioxidants found in tofu may help in the removal of free radicals. Antioxidants may help to reduce oxidative stress in the body by neutralizing these free radicals. Additionally, it is advised experts that you should consume tofu as its antioxidant properties may help heal the damaged liver.
Can reduce the risk of certain cancers
A rich diet of soy can also reduce the chances of developing certain cancers, particularly in postmenopausal women. According to the research findings, it reduces the risk of cancer by 27% and the recurrence of breast cancer by 28%. Some of the studies also claim that prostate, colon, stomach, and endometrial cancer risks can all be decreased by consuming tofu.
May reduce the risk of diabetes
High protein content and additional nutrients found in tofu help people with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels.
If you want to be on a low-fat, low-calorie diet then tofu is ideal. If you have diabetes or even if you don’t then you should really be aware that tofu is believed to significantly lower insulin resistance, which in turn will reduce your likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes.
Potential uses of tofu for weight management
Tofu is a low-cost source of high-quality protein and is a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, gets easily digested, is cholesterol-free, and is free of saturated fats. It is effective for even weight loss, and that’s what makes it great. Tofu is also rich in peptides, which help to burn fat and keep fatty acids from absorbing into the body’s cells. In order to control obesity, studies suggest that one should start including tofu in their regular diet in order to manage their weight effectively.
Final thoughts
Though animal products are known to be the best sources of protein, tofu is the best vegetarian option available.
With its delicious flavour and satisfying texture, tofu can enhance the flavour of any bland dish. Since tofu contains all the amino acids you need to receive from food, it serves as a complete source of protein. Keeping a healthy weight and muscle mass involves eating a suitable amount of protein. You can fulfil your daily requirements by including tofu in your diet.
Furthermore, you should also undergo preventive health checkups. These health checkups give a complete report about your health, allowing you to take necessary precautionary measures to improve your well-being and keep various ailments at bay.
FAQ frequently asked questions
Q Why is tofu a Superfood?
Tofu has a very high protein content and it contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. It also provides fats, carbs, and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals that make it a superfood.
Q Is tofu good for your brain?
Yes, regular intake of tofu can help your brain to prevent memory loss.
Q Is tofu good for gut health?
Tofu is known to contain both, pre-biotics (the fibre that the gut bacteria feeds on) and pro-biotics (gut bacteria), which are good for the gut.
