The benefits of tofu will convince you to try it today! – GOOD SHAPE

Oriental cuisine loves. You vegetarians and vegans also love. Tofu is a very rich food, full of benefits and, despite being controversial, it can be a great ally of a healthy diet, especially protein.

WHAT IS TOFU?

“With a consistency very similar to traditional white cheese, tofu is made from soy milk,” he explains. Angeli Marques Golfetto, universal, integrative and holistic nutritionist. “It can be consumed in the form of cheese, cream cheese, pâté, and so on. No wonder it is known for its versatility, it has a light flavor and combines with a multitude of ingredients.”

Versatility, by the way, is tofu’s trademark, so much so that it is commonly used in savory and sweet dishes and goes well in salads, pastas and even grilled. Ideally, it should be done with organic soyto ensure a good source of raw material.

For those who are not used to it, an interesting idea is to consume raw tofu in paste format – just liquefy it with water, olive oil and herbs of your choice. From then on, it can be used in natural sandwiches, toast, snacks… it’s up to you!

Another idea is to serve it seasoned as an appetizer or even grilled as a main dish. In this case, you can even become one of the protagonists of the barbecue, making the event more inclusive and interesting for everyone.

TOFU BENEFITS

Well, we sold the idea of ​​putting more tofu in our daily diet so well, but the question still remains: what are the benefits of this delicacy?

1

Healthier muscles and bones

“It contributes calcium to bones and teeth, as well as acting as a muscle protector and is widely used in hypertrophy protocols”, explains the nutritionist.

two

Improves heart health

Rich in omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, it helps reduce blood cholesterol levels, acting as a cardiovascular protector.

3

Collaborates for slimming

As it promotes satiety and is rich in protein (there are 8g for every 100 of tofu, according to the United States Department of Agriculture), it helps with weight loss and lean body mass gain – which is why it is a darling of consumers. hypertrophy training.

4

Helps with hormone control

Among all the benefits of tofu, the presence by weight of phytosterols and isoflavones make this food a powerful ally in hormonal control and cholesterol in the intestine.

“In women, the consumption of isoflavones helps in hormonal modulation, especially in the climacteric, during perimenopause and menopause, reducing the symptoms of hot flushes, hot flashes, pain and discomfort caused by irregular bleeding, reducing anxiety and preventing breast cancer. breast”, explains the nutritionist.

5

Have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory function

Still on isoflavones, they also guarantee the fight against free radicals, responsible for degenerative diseases, such as osteoporosis and arthritis.

CAN EVERYONE EAT TOFU?

The main controversy surrounding the consumption of tofu is precisely its origin. It needs to be organically sourced to ensure it is free of toxic components and genetic alterations.

“It is important that the woman who is being treated for breast cancer consults her doctor in charge to find out if there is no drug interaction between the components of soy and the medication used”, she explains.

Tofu is still contraindicated in people who have intolerance or allergy to soy. Men should also consume it in moderation, as it can increase levels of estrogen, the female hormone, in the body.

Children can also enjoy the benefits of food, but the recommendation for moderation also applies, as this is considered a food with allergenic potential.