No wonder, tofu is a favourite food derived from soya and has gained popularity over the years. Tofu originated in China about 2000 years ago. Mostly eaten China through to Korea and also popular in South East Asia along with America as natural food. Numerous variations of tofu cuisine like curries, steak, and dessert have changed other countries eating habits.
Tofu benefits and disadvantages
Despite its reputation tofu remains a controversial food ? some praise its health benefits, while others claim it could be a curse for you. This article will go through on a detailed description of the contradiction along with wondering whether you should take tofu or not and its health effects to determine whether it?s right for you(tofu recipes).
What Is Tofu: how is tofu made?Tofu, also called bean curd is the approved source of meat among vegetarians and vegans. But it seems that there are health benefits and reputation associated with tofu consumption, but what is tofu exactly and what kind of food?Tofu is made from soybean curds. Well, tofu is made by curdling soy milk from soybeans, and that?s why tofu is called bean curd.
Tofu made from pressed condensed soy milk which is similar to food preservation process of making cheese from milk that allows the nutritional value to the food.
Tofu has many types including fresh tofu, soft or silken tofu, dried tofu, firm tofu, processed tofu, fermented tofu, fried tofu, and frozen tofu(tofu taste). But in all ranges, fermented varieties are the healthiest options to consume. Tofu can consume in many ways, including raw, stewed, stir-fried, in soup, stuffed with fillings and deep fried crispy.
Best choice and source for vegans and vegetarians for the source of protein because tofu is naturally gluten-free and low in calories. Per 100 gm tofu, it contains almost 0 mg cholesterol.
Unfermented soy foods particularly tofu and soymilk consumed varies among countries like China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand and Japan. The tofu was a luxury food eaten by the Shogun in Japan. General people to farmers could only eat tofu on a special occasion.
Summary Tofu, an essential source of protein for vegetarians and vegans made from pressed condensed soy milk which is naturally gluten-free and low in calories.
Is Tofu Vegan?
Is tofu a vegetable, then the quick answer is no. Tofu made from beans called soybeans, so tofu isn?t a vegetable. Some people think and consider soybeans as a kind of plant.
Vegetarians eat plenty of foods which are not vegetables, and also they avoid meat. Vegans, also avoid eggs, dairy products and derived from animal products.
Then what is the source of food for Vegan? Vegans choose lentils, chickpeas, fruits, juice, tofu, peas, peanut butter, soy milk, almonds, spinach, rice, nuts, whole wheat bread, potatoes, and cauliflower in their daily food consumption.Vegetarians would not avoid tofu, because it isn?t an animal nor from dairy products.
Summary Tofu is vegan and have a nutritious source of high protein and calcium and also suitable for a vegan diet.
How much tofu is safe: tofu benefits and disadvantages?Tofu is an excellent source of low-fat, high protein, and it?s very cheap and readily available in a different form.
Soy contains all of the essential amino acids and provides polyunsaturated fats, especially omega-3, carbs, vitamins and minerals (tofu nutrition). It is also the source of calcium and magnesium which strengthen bones, regulate blood sugar and control diabetics.
Tofu can be an alternative to meat products, but there is also some controversy about their health effects.
Let?s discuss-Soy is genetically modified foods in the world.The majority of the world?s soybeans are now currently grown in the US, and these are considered as (GMO) food because a huge portion is genetically changed.And no wonder, GMOs are harmful to human health, because they are controversial.
Fermented or unfermented?
Why soy is terrible for you! Soy products have two different forms: fermented or unfermented. Unfermented soy products which are organic and non-GMO that contain toxins and plant hormones. Without fermentation, tofu is something like a rubbery, white piece of non-meat protein.
Prompt tumour growth or the risk of cancer-
Some early studies suggested that tumour growth or the risk of breast cancer not affect by consuming tofu. But nowadays researchers found that a high intake of tofu may be related to a specific type of breast cancer, which is estrogen-receptor positive and soy products increase tumour growth.Troubles and disorderScientific studies suggested that soy creates digestive problems, thyroid dysfunction, and reproductive disorders. Tofu could create vitamin B12 deficiency, among vegetarians and vegans. Soy contains B12 analogues, which resemble our body vitamin B12 and these B12 analogues cannot be used in our body the way it would use real B12.
How much to consumeBut, soy may not influence everybody similarly. Eating a moderate amount of soy could decrease high estrogen levels. Researchers studied that averages 6 to 11 grams of soy protein and 25 to 50 milligrams of soy products can be ideal to consume per week.
In a nutshell, if you?re looking for a healthier substitute for tofu for a protein source, you can choose natto and tempeh, and they?re both fermented foods made from soy.
Tofu is an unfermented soy product that?s genetically modified, offsetting the potential health benefits.Maintaining a strategic distance from unfermented soy items would be best for the sake of your health.
Of course, tofu is a healthy alternative to meat, but you have to choose fermented soy products.
