It turns out that eating soy is
healthier than we previously believed.
Tofu has been around for centuries. Some people say that it can be
traced back as early as the 2nd century B.C. This versatile soy product first
originated in China and has spread across the entire world.
Soybeans are used to make tofu, which is dried and pressed into a
block using coagulants such as calcium sulfate or magnesium chloride. It is
packed with nutrients and essential amino acids and is an affordable substitute
for meat on days when your budget is a little tighter than usual.
Because of its soy content, some consumers have been skeptical
about tofu. However, the study is ongoing to learn the truth about what tofu
does to our bodies—and the results are surprisingly positive! Continue reading
to learn about tofu's hidden benefits.
1. You may lower your blood pressure.
Isoflavones are a chemical compound found in soy, one of the main
ingredients in tofu. These compounds, which may be found in legumes and all
soy-based foods, have health benefits.
According to a 2018 study in the Journal of Scientific &
Technical Research, isoflavones can help prevent high blood pressure. This
significant problem can damage the elasticity of our arteries and decrease
blood flow to the heart.
Isoflavones lower blood pressure by expanding and widening our
blood vessels, allowing more blood and oxygen to pass through them. It has also
been shown to raise the levels of nitrogen oxide in blood vessels, which
improves blood flow.
According to the study, isoflavones can also help decrease
"bad" LDL cholesterol and raise "good" HDL cholesterol in
our blood.
2. You might lower your risk of breast cancer
Phytoestrogens, such as soy isoflavones, are a type of plant
estrogen that can interact with estrogen levels in the body. Isoflavones are
one of the main reasons why some women have been skeptical about eating soy or
tofu in an attempt to not interfere with their body's natural estrogen levels.
On the other hand, Isoflavones have been proven in recent studies
to have a beneficial effect on breast cancer mortality in women. A 2017 research
of 6,235 women with breast cancer found that eating a diet rich in isoflavones
reduced all-cause death by 21%. Although many researchers are still looking
into this connection, these findings are good news for tofu lovers and
plant-based eaters who may have been wary of soy.
3. You'll have a good source of protein
Tofu is a great way to increase your protein intake while keeping
your fat and carbohydrate intake low. Nine grams of protein, 4 grams of fat, 3
grams of sugar, and 15 milligrams of sodium are all found in a 3-ounce serving
of Whole Foods Organic Tofu.
Tofu is also a good source of protein for people trying to avoid
certain types of meat to improve their heart health. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, even modest amounts of red meat can increase the risk
of cardiovascular disease; therefore, replacing tofu with red meat can help
lower these risks.
Furthermore, according to Nutrients, soy protein is plentiful and
of higher quality, similar to animal protein, and superior to many other
plant-based sources. It's also one of the more accessible proteins to digest.
4. You'll get a boost of iron
Soy and tofu are excellent sources of plant-based iron, especially
for vegans. For example, 3 ounces of beef provide about 3.28 milligrams of
iron, while a half cup of firm tofu has about 3.35 milligrams.
Iron is an essential nutrient for our bodies, particularly for organs such as the liver, muscles, and spleen. If we are iron deficient, we may experience muscle weakness, exhaustion, and cognitive decline, as well as a struggle to fight off infection.