Tofu is a white gelatin-like curd formed when soybean protein is precipitated (pressing coagulated soy milk into flat white blocks, the extracted soybean juice is then pressed into white blocks that are white in colour).
• Its firmness is determined by the amount of liquid it contains.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Parts Used: beans, sprouts.
The pods are gathered when ripe.
Directions of Preparation
Recommended Dosage
• Soybean contains:
• Tofu is excellent in Protein, Total Fat, Calcium, Iron, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Vitamin B1, Saturated Fatty Acid, Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids.
• Tofu is very good in Energy, Dietary Fiber, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Zinc, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin A, Monounsaturated Fats.
• Protein (about 30%),
• A rich source of Protein.
• Fixed Oil (about 17%) (including lecithin (2% or more), linoleic acid, and alpha-linolenic acid),
• Isoflavones,
• Coumestrol,
• Sterols,
• Saponins,
• The organic compounds found in Tofu mainly consist of Isoflavones.
• Coumestrol and the Isoflavones closely mimic estrogen within the body.
Health Benefits of Tofu
Anti-Aging
• Tofu helps in stopping premature aging and appearance of fine lines (wrinkles and crow’s feet), and it nourishes the Skin.
Foods & Bones
Bones
• Its a good source of Calcium (the key ingredient in Bone formation). Lack of Calcium in the body could lead to Osteoporosis, rapid aging due to brittle Bones, and poor formation of new Bones as well.
Foods & Bones
Cancer & Tumor Prevention
• Tofu is a rich source of Flavonoids and Isoflavonoids that helps in preventing Cancerous cell growth.
• Its Isoflavones content is well known to be beneficial in reducing Cancer risk and has been associated with a reduction in breast and Prostate Cancer.
• Its Genistein content increases the activity of Cancer preventive Proteins that hinders the growth and multiplication of Cancerous cells and checks the growth of tumors.
Foods & Cancer
Cardiovascular System
• Its beneficial to the heart health given its very low levels of Sodium and almost no Cholesterol. It reduces the Cholesterol level in the body due to its ability to absorb cooking oil and other liquids.
Foods & Cardiovascular System
Diabetes
• Tofu high levels of Proteins and nutrients assists in lowering and controlling blood sugar levels in people suffering from type 2 Diabetes, while its low fat and low calorie content makes it a perfect food choice for diabetics. Soybean foods have been found to reduce insulin resistance of blood.
Foods & Diabetes
Immune System
• Tofu bioactive peptides-glycinin and conglycinin acts as natural antioxidants and Anti-Inflammatory agents, thereby reducing inflammation, while its large amount of Protein is necessary for proper bodily functions. It also contain a very small amount of fat.
Foods & Immune System
Metabolism
• Its a good source of lecithin and linoleic acid which helps regulate the Metabolism, along with the dispersion and elimination of Cholesterol deposits in the body.
Foods & Metabolism
Weight Management
• Peptins present in fermented Tofu prevents the blending and deposition of certain fatty acids in the cells thereby helping in burning fat and controlling Obesity. Its low calorie count makes it an attractive option for people attempting to lose weight. Soybean-based low calorie diets have beneficial effect on reduction of weight and blood Lipids.
Foods & Weight Management
Women Health
• Its Flavonoids and Isoflavonoids content helps in restoring proper estrogen levels in the body, thereby relieving the various symptoms (mood swings, sleeping disorders, Headaches, hot flAshes and Dizziness) associated with Menopause.
Foods & Women Health
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of Tofu
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA)
(per 100g) of
Soy Tofu
