Tofu: properties and benefits
In this article, we tell you about the properties and health benefits of tofu. Discover its nutritional value and how to incorporate it into your diet. Don’t miss out!
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Tofu is one of the characteristic elements of the vegetarian and vegan world. Although it is Asian in origin (it is a key element in Japanese, Chines and Thai cooking), today tofu is known throughout the world due to its properties, benefits and qualities.
But… what is tofu and what is it used for? Tofu is a solid plant paste made from soya, water and a coagulant. The result is a whitish mass reminiscent of cheese or rennet. With a soft and versatile flavour, it is notable for easily absorbing the flavours of the foods it is cooked or prepared with. Tofu is used as the perfect alternative to meat proteins.
Now you know where tofu comes from. But that isn’t the most important thing about this food. Apart from being a meat substitute, tofu has a value of its own and it can be used in an endless number of recipes and cooking methods such as stews, sandwiches or rice dishes. It can also be used in dressings, sauces and desserts, and as a substitutes for eggs in batters and lasagnes.
Properties and benefits of tofu
Tofu contains some very interesting properties. To begin with, it is a great source of protein and amino acids, and contains iron, vitamins, magnesium and calcium. It is also low in calories, making it the ideal food to include in a varied and balanced diet. Its antioxidant properties also figure within its main qualities.
There is not just one principal benefit of tofu, but several: it helps to keep teeth and bones healthy, prevents the onset of anaemia, combats constipation, helps to regulate your intestinal transit and supports the circulation and the regeneration of tissue and mucous membranes.
Added to these benefits, tofu also contains phytoestrogens known as “isoflavonoids” which are similar to oestrogen, the principal female hormone. This is the reason why it is a food that can be eaten by women at the start of the menopause, as it helps to alleviate the stifling feelings and hot flushes that characterise this life stage. Tofu is also considered a very interesting product for sportspeople.
Nutritional value of tofu
The nutritional value of tofu per 100 grams is as follows:
- Calories: 76 kcal
- Fats: 4.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.9 g
- Proteins: 8 g
- Calcium: 350 mg
- Iron: 5.4 mg
- Potassium: 121 mg
Contraindications of tofu
At this point, while keeping all its virtues in mind, it is normal to ask yourself if tofu has any contraindications. Indeed, people who have a soya allergy should not consume tofu. Additionally, soya can also interfere with one’s ability to absorb thyroid medication, so in this case, you would need to take special precautions. Lastly, it is also worth knowing that it is best to boil tofu for 10 minutes to make it more digestible, although some brands sell it pre-cooked or enable you to use it without the need to cook it beforehand.
