Health Benefits of Tofu

Rose May Pimentel in Health

May 19, 2022 • 3 min Read

Tofu, known as tokwa in Tagalog is made from soybean. It’s a rich source of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants which are good for our overall health. It’s also a popular good alternative to meat.

Tofu can be used in either sweet or savory dishes and can be prepared in a wide variety of ways. You may already be consuming tofu through taho, a Pinoy morning staple. One of the places known for their delicious taho is Baguio City for it offers a strawberry flavor.

Here are some of the amazing benefits of this versatile food from Organic Facts:

1. Lowers Cholesterol Level

Consuming tofu reduces the cholesterol level in the body. It’s an alternative to animal protein that can help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol in the body. Compared to meat such as beef, it has lower saturated fatty acids and higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids. It’s also a good source of lecithin and linoleic acid, which help regulate the metabolism and the dispersion and elimination of cholesterol deposits in the body.

2. Maintains Cardiovascular Health

Tofu helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular consumption of soy products may lower the levels of saturated fats along with cholesterol levels in the body. A report in the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations says that tofu has a low sodium content, which makes it good for people with high blood pressure.

3. Manages Weight

Intake of tofu also aids in managing weight effectively. A study done in China suggests that soy-based low-calorie diets have a beneficial effect on the reduction of weight and blood lipids.

4. Anticancer Properties

The isoflavones in tofu are known to be beneficial in reducing the risk of different types of cancer. Research published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute suggests that a higher intake of tofu products helps prevent endometrial cancer in post-menopausal women. It has also been associated with a reduction in breast, lung, and prostate cancer.

5. Prevents Osteoporosis

Tofu is a rich source of calcium, which is the key ingredient in bone formation. Regular intake of tofu is highly recommended. Lack of calcium in the body could lead to osteoporosis, especially in old age. Consuming it slows down the entire process by keeping the bones strong.

6. Helps Manage Diabetes

Several studies show that intake of soy protein lowers blood sugar and insulin levels considerably, thus being helpful in cases of diabetes as well as prediabetes.

7. Treats Kidney Diseases

Being rich in protein, phosphorus, and sodium, tofu is a wonderful food for your kidney health. These minerals make it a great addition to your renal diet and help prevent chronic kidney diseases.

8. Prevents Anemia

Tofu, being an excellent source of iron, can help prevent anemia. The deficiency of iron causes a drop in the number of healthy red blood cells leading to anemia. A study conducted in China also showed that tofu helped lower the risk of anemia among adults.

9. Liver Damage

Tofu curdled with various coagulants helps prevent liver damage caused due to oxidative stress.

10. Brain Health

Tofu is known to improve memory and cognitive function for women above 65-years of age. It helps aid in the normal functioning of the neurons.

11. Rich in Protein

Tofu, other soy products, and vegetables are a great source of protein for vegans and vegetarians. They also provide the required amino acids, which are beneficial in maintaining optimal health.

12. Treats Gout

Research on tofu suggests that it’s a preferable source of protein, especially for gout patients with uric acid clearance more than the lower normal limit.

Go add this superfood to your daily diet and enjoy its benefits!

Stay healthy and safe!