Health Benefits of Tofu, Health Benefits of Soya Bean Curd

Health Benefits of Tofu(Soya Bean Curd)

Tofu, or bean curd, is a popular food derived from soya. It is made by curdling fresh soya milk, pressing it into a solid block and then cooling it – in much the same way that traditional dairy cheese is made by curdling and solidifying milk. The liquid (whey) is discarded, and the curds are pressed to form a cohesive bond. A staple ingredient in Thai and Chinese cookery, it can be cooked in different ways to change its texture from smooth and soft to crisp and crunchy.

Benefits of Tofu :-

1.Nutritional highlights
Tofu is a good source of protein and contains all eight essential amino acids. It is also an excellent source of iron and calcium and the minerals manganese, selenium and phosphorous. In addition, tofu is a good source of magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1.
Tofu is an excellent food from a nutritional and health perspective. It is thought to provide the same sort of protection against cancer and heart disease as soya beans.

2.Cancer
Tofu being a good source of selenium – a mineral needed by the body for the proper functioning of the antioxidant system – protects our system from colon cancer. Men can reduce the risk of prostate cancer by eating tofu. According to studies, women who consume good amounts of tofu are 60% less likely to have ‘high risk’ breast tissues than women who eat less amounts or do not eat tofu.

3.Maintains Blood Pressure
The bioactive peptides-glycinin and conglycinin present in fermented tofu acts as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents, thereby reducing inflammation and damage of blood vessels and also helps in lowering high blood pressure and keeping it under control. Add tofu to your regular diet and protect your heart from the harmful effects of inflammation.

4.Anti-Ageing Benefits
Another benefit of eating tofu regularly is that it slows down the ageing process considerably. Tofu helps retain the elasticity of the skin and tones the facial muscles which in turn prevents ageing. Making a paste of tofu and applying it on your face is also a good idea as it nourishes the skin.

5.Hair loss
The human hair is primarily made of a protein called keratin. By eating tofu, your hair gets the required protein to produce hair more and keep the existing ones healthy. Instead of splurging on expensive treatments, add tofu to your daily diet to solve hair loss issues.

6.Improves Heart Health
Heart attack and cardiovascular diseases has emerged as one of the largest cause of death in developed countries and it is all because of our unhealthy food habit that is based mostly on processed foods. Regular consumption of tofu however helps in reducing the risk of stroke and other cardiac diseases because it helps in reducing the level of harmful cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL level in the blood. In addition, it also helps in raising the level of HDL or “good” cholesterol.

7.Storage Tips for Tofu
To store unused firm, extra-firm or silken tofu, put it in a container filled with cold water, then cover and refrigerate for up to seven days —but be sure to change the water daily to keep it fresh. 
Leftover firm or extra-firm tofu can be wrapped in plastic and frozen for up to five months. But be aware that freezing tofu changes its texture and colour, making it chewy and turning its colour from white to amber. To defrost, remove the plastic wrap and place the tofu in a deep bowl. Cover it with boiling water and let stand for 15 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Before using, press it firmly between your palms and squeeze out excess water.