Tofu is one of the most popular foods derived from soybean products, and the best part is, you can grow your own soybeans and make soy beverages and tofu at home! Just make sure to use the best foliar fertilizer for soybeans to produce high-quality crops for the best results.
Besides being versatile, delicious, and easy to make, tofu’s also healthy, making it a perfect food alternative for those looking to go on a diet. That said, here are eight benefits of adding more tofu to your diet:
Improves Your Kidney Function
Tofu is rich in protein, specifically soy protein, which is known to improve renal (kidney) function, and it provides massive benefits for individuals undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation. Plus, a study found that consuming tofu and soy products can positively affect a few biomarkers of chronic kidney disease.
Prevents Cardiovascular Disease
The soy isoflavones present in tofu have been proven to reduce levels of ‘bad cholesterol’ in one’s bloodstream. Although it doesn’t increase good cholesterol, it’s still beneficial for those looking to lose weight or those susceptible to cardiovascular disease. Regularly eating tofu can decrease markers for cardiovascular disease risks, such as total cholesterol, weight, body mass, and index.
The FDA suggests consuming 25 grams of tofu or other soy products every day to reduce your bad cholesterol significantly. Doing this helps decrease your risk for atherosclerosis and high blood pressure.
Inhibits Certain Cancer Cells
Tofu is made from soybean products, meaning it’s naturally rich in genistein, the predominant isoflavone in soy. Plus, it’s naturally rich in antioxidants, making it beneficial for those with breast cancer since it allegedly can inhibit the growth of carcinogenic cells. Consuming moderate amounts or less than two servings of two tofu dishes every day can decrease the risk of developing breast cancer.
Although this finding may still need a bit of research, it’s an excellent healthy food to have for those susceptible to cancer.
Helps With Diabetes
Individuals with type 2 diabetes usually experience kidney issues, causing their bodies to excrete excessive protein in their urine. Luckily, several studies have found that those who consumed more tofu in their diet had less protein in their urine, benefitting patients with type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, because tofu’s relatively healthy, diabetic patients can eat more of it, helping them satiate their hunger since they can’t eat most ‘normal’ foods.
Makes Your Bones Stronger
Since tofu comes from soya, it’s relatively rich in soy isoflavones, which is known to help with bone loss by increasing bone mineral density. Additionally, tofu is known to have high calcium levels, which is an essential nutrient in ensuring healthy bones and proper growth in kids, making it a great diet addition for kids and women undergoing menopause or at an increased risk for osteoporosis.
Ease Menopause Symptoms
Consuming soy products such as tofu can help relieve symptoms of menopause, ranging from hot flashes, thanks to the high levels of phytoestrogens and genistein they contain. Although the symptoms and their severity differ between women, according to surveys, hot flashes seem to be less common in Eastern countries as people consume more soy there.
If you’re getting to the menopausal age, it’s best to add more tofu to your diet as not only can it ease the uncomfortable symptoms, it’s also healthier for your body.
Healthier Alternative To Meat
Several studies have proven that if you consume enough tofu, you’ll get the amount of protein, fat, carbohydrates, and fiber. You can also get the same amount in meat but thrice the calories, so even if you eat twice as much tofu, you’d still consume way fewer calories, balancing everything out.
It Helps With Weight Loss
Although tofu seems light, it’s known to be filling, making it a great way to prevent yourself from overeating. Besides that, tofu contains zero saturated fat, which is one of the leading causes of weight gain, making it more fitting for those who want to lose weight. The best part is, tofu’s relatively low in calories, so even if you eat a lot of it, you’ll be consuming fewer calories than with other foods.
Finally, tofu boasts high amounts of copper, iron, and manganese, which are nutrients known to boost energy, further helping out with weight loss.
Tofu boasts many health benefits, and those mentioned are just a few of them. Although tofu’s a great addition to your diet, if you’re looking to lose weight or live a healthier lifestyle, you’ll need to eat tofu in moderation for the best results — helping you live healthier and happier.
