Tofu Benefits For Health, Nutritional Facts, And Risks

What Is Tofu?

Tofu is the processed soybean curd that resembles cottage cheese. It can be sliced into different shapes and cooked differently. Tofu is available in silken, soft, firm, or extra-firm forms. The soft variety is usually seasoned and marinated to complement any dish. It can also be flavored with ginger, onion, or spices. Tofu is becoming an increasingly popular source of protein in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and South East Asian cuisines. It is rumored that a Chinese cook had accidentally mixed fresh soy milk with nigari, which eventually led to the discovery of tofu.

Tofu has several anti-inflammatory and antioxidant phytochemicals (plant compounds). It also contains all the nine essential amino acids, which your body cannot produce on its own.

2,356 people from Great Britain shared their views on tofu in an online survey conducted by YouGov in October 2022. As per the responses, 36% of them did not like it, 24% liked it, 33% had never tried tofu, and 7% did not know it.

What are the key nutrients that you can find in tofu? We have listed them in the following section. Keep reading.

Nutrition Facts Of Tofu

100 grams of tofu contain the following nutrients (1):

These essential nutrients make tofu a healthy food. But what health benefits can you expect from tofu? Continue reading to know them.

Health Benefits Of Tofu

1. May Reduce The Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease

Tofu contains saponins (plant compounds) that may reduce blood cholesterol and increase bile acid elimination. Both these functions, in turn, help lower heart disease risk (2). Tofu’s isoflavone content may also help lower the markers of cardiovascular disease.

Research links a higher isoflavone and tofu intake with a moderately lower risk of coronary heart disease (3). This benefit of tofu is more pronounced in young women or postmenopausal women with no hormonal treatment.

2. May Reduce The Risk Of Cancers

Researchers linked the increased intake of soy foods with a reduced risk of breast cancer (4). Tofu isoflavones may help reduce the levels of prostate-specific antigens, thereby decreasing prostate cancer risk (5). Moreover, this effect was more marked in premenopausal women (6). Isoflavones, mainly found in soy, have also been shown to inhibit the proliferation of ovarian cancer cells (7).

3. May Promote Bone Health

Studies suggest that regular intake of soy foods may help improve bone mineral density. A woman’s bone mineral density decreases significantly after menopause. Tofu is a good source of plant estrogens that can make up for that loss. However, soy food intake did not have a similar effect in premenopausal women. More studies are warranted to understand this benefit of tofu.

4. May Reduce The Risk Of Age-Related Brain Diseases

Studies indicate that phytoestrogens in tofu may prevent cognitive decline and lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease progression. Preclinical studies indicate that soy isoflavones (ISFs) play a significant role in the pathologies of Alzheimer’s. As a result, ISFs may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and alleviate cognitive impairment. Neuroprotective effects of phytoestrogens may also help protect the aging brain and improve cognitive function. However, further studies are warranted to understand this benefit of tofu intake (8), (9).

5. May Reduce Risk Of Diabetes

Tofu is low in fat and calories, and can be an ideal food choice for people with diabetes. Recent studies suggest that soy food intake may boost blood sugar control (10). Soy protein-containing isoflavones are linked with a lower risk of type 2 diabetes (11). People with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease excrete a large amount of protein through urine (12).

6. May Help Treat Menopausal Symptoms

Phytoestrogens like isoflavones and coumestans are plant substances that are structurally and functionally similar to estrogens. These plant compounds have gained popularity as an alternative to hormonal therapy in treating menopausal symptoms (13). Besides, studies suggest that isoflavones may reduce hot flashes and loss of lumbar spine BMD, and improve blood sugar control (14).

These compounds may also show beneficial effects on systolic blood pressure during early menopause (15).

Want to enhance the flavor of your dishes using tofu? Well, you need to follow a few simple tips while cooking it.

Tips To Follow While Using Tofu

1. Choose the right type of tofu that suits your recipes.
2. Remove the liquid completely after unpacking.
3. Cut into small pieces for better cooking.
4. Use lemon juice or vinegar while marinating.
5. Cook for at least 10 minutes.
6. Use flavorful oils like sesame or mustard to enhance the flavor.
7. Use non-stick pans while cooking tofu.
8. Refrigerate by placing tofu in a plastic or glass container filled with water. You can freeze it in its original packaging for about three months.

Pro Tip

You should also check the expiry date of an unopened tofu pack to determine its shelf life. Meanwhile, refrigerated tofu stays for 3 to 5 days.

Tofu is available in different varieties, although soy is the only base ingredient. Continue reading to know the types of tofu and how they are distinguished.

Types Of Tofu

• Silken Tofu

Silken tofu is usually packaged in aseptic containers and does not need refrigeration. It is made by pureeing the soy curd to a smooth paste. It adds texture and improves consistency in smoothies, salad dressings, desserts, and sauces. You can also use silken tofu to substitute eggs.

• Regular Tofu

It is significantly more popular and also known as bean curd or Chinese-style tofu. The kind of tofu you will find in the refrigerated section of the supermarket is in the containers. There are three types:

1. Soft Tofu

Soft tofu has a custard-like texture and can retain its shape when cooked delicately. It can serve as an egg substitute and can be added to soups like miso soup, or baked as a breakfast scramble.

2. Medium-Firm Tofu

Medium-firm tofu is suitable for soups, stews, curries, searing, and baking.

3. Extra-Firm Tofu

Extra-firm tofu can be an amazing substitute for meat.

Jessica Hylton, a blogger, shares her beloved sweet and sour tofu recipe, a comforting and flavorful take on a classic dish. With a dedication to making her recipes vegan, Jessica’s sweet and sour tofu has become her go-to comfort meal, cherished by both her and her readers. She mentions, “After years of making tofu, I’m proud to say we know how to make it perfectly crispy (i).”

Quick Tip

Crumble firm or extra-firm tofu into a pan and sauté it with a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices to prepare a tofu scramble.

Though tofu is highly nutritious and can be a healthy alternative to meat, it may have some potential risks. Continue reading to know them.

Possible Risks Of Tofu Intake

1. May Interact With Medications

Anecdotally, tofu intake is linked with a few drug interactions. Avoid eating tofu if you take medicines called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), which are antidepressants. This soy milk product contains tyramine amino acid that helps balance blood sugar levels. However, MAOIs block the enzymes that break tyramine down (16). Tofu and some antibiotics may also interact and affect beneficial bacteria.

2. Effects Of Processing

Anecdotal evidence suggests that there may be a tumor-growth risk depending on how an isoflavone-containing product is processed. The products made from tofu-like sausages may contain additives like sodium and flavorings that counteract their health benefits.

Tofu is majorly popularized for its protein content. How much protein does it contain? What is the recommended intake? We answer these questions in the next section.

3. Possible Effects For People With Thyroid Issues

Some believe that soy products may compromise thyroid gland function and interfere with the absorption of the synthetic thyroid hormone. While research suggests that soy may not be harmful for those with thyroid issues, caution is still recommended (17). Consult your doctor for more information.

How Much Protein Does Tofu Contain?

Tofu contains nine amino acids, forming a complete protein. Half a cup serving of tofu (80 grams) contains 8 grams of protein (1). Generally, men and women should consume 55 to 57 grams and 47 to 48 grams of protein per day, respectively (18).

Consuming tofu is believed to induce weight loss. But what does science say?

Is Tofu Healthy For Weight Loss?

Consumption of tofu is generally associated with a lower body mass index and a reduced risk of obesity (19). Being low in calories and high in dietary fiber, tofu makes you feel full for longer. As a result, you eat less and may lose weight over time. Besides, tofu contains isoflavones that contribute to a lower body mass index. However, more research is warranted to understand this benefit of tofu.

Both tofu and meat are rich sources of protein. But there is always a debate over which of the two is healthier.

Is Tofu Healthier Than Meat?

The only difference between tofu and meat protein is that you need to consume more tofu to meet the recommended dietary protein levels. If you consume 150 grams of lean meat, you need 290 grams of tofu to obtain the same amount of protein. Moreover, tofu provides an equal quantity of protein, carbohydrates, fat, and fiber, which is not the case with meat. Hence, tofu could be considered healthier than meat (though this is often debated).

So, what are you waiting for? Explore some delicious tofu recipes in the next section.

Easy Tofu Recipes

1. Tofu Stir-Fry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 clove of garlic, minced

How To Prepare:

1. Sauté tofu and vegetables in sesame oil until golden.
2. Add minced garlic and stir.
3. Pour soy sauce, cook briefly, and serve.

2. Tofu Berry Parfait

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of silken tofu
• 1 cup of mixed berries
• 2 tablespoons of honey
• ¼ cup of granola

How To Prepare:

1. Blend tofu and honey until smooth.
2. Layer the tofu mixture, berries, and granola in a glass.
3. Repeat layers and top with berries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it OK to eat tofu every day?

Yes, but in moderation. Tofu contains beneficial compounds that may help support good health.

Which is healthier: chicken or tofu?

Chicken. Though it is higher in calories, it has more proteins and fewer fats than tofu (1), (20).

Which is healthier: eggs or tofu?

Eggs as they have a higher protein content than tofu (1), (21).

Can you eat tofu raw?

Yes. But you should strain out the excess fluid from the package before consuming it.

What’s better: tofu or salmon?

Salmon. Salmon has more proteins and other beneficial nutrients than tofu (1), (22).

Is tofu healthier than tuna?

No, tuna is healthier. It has more protein and omega-3 fatty acids than tofu (1), (23).

Unlock the secrets of tofu’s goodness! Discover six amazing benefits of including tofu in your diet with this video. Watch to find out why it’s a nutritional game-changer for everything from heart health to general well-being.

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Tracy TredouxDipION, mBANT, CNHC, AFMCP

   

Tracy is a fully qualified nutritional therapist with 10 years of experience specializing in gut and immune health. She is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and uses her knowledge to address the root causes of illness rather than merely manage the symptoms. She motivates and supports her clients along their journey to achieve peak health and wellness through personalized dietary...more

Aparna MallampalliHealth & Wellness Writer

 

Aparna is a professor-turned-content writer with over 5 years of experience in life sciences. Her passion for writing and interest in the healthcare and wellness industry pushed her toward a career in content writing. She has a master’s degree in microbiology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a diploma in nutrition from Fab Academy. She aims to use her knowledge of...more

Ravi Teja TadimallaSenior Editor

Ravi Teja Tadimalla is a senior editor and a published author. He has been in the digital media field for over eight years. He graduated from SRM University, Chennai, and has a Professional Certificate in Food, Nutrition & Research from Wageningen University. He has written over 300 articles about ingredients and their benefits for the skin, hair, and health. He...more

Payal KarnikSenior Health & Wellness Writer

Payal Karnik is a senior health and wellness writer and a Certified Health and Nutrition Life Coach. She is a biotechnology graduate from the University of Mumbai with a keen interest in writing and a natural curiosity for science. This formidable combination equips her with the knowledge to write research-backed health and wellness articles. She has also published a research...more