don't mix tofu and spinach (2024)

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don't mix tofu and spinach (1)

don't mix tofu and spinach

Posted by jjhung88 on Nov 24, 2010 · Member since Nov 2010 · 1 posts

My husband and I are trying to become vegan after watching the "eating" DVD and reading the book "mad cowboy". We just started to subscribe to regularly delivered farm veggie/fruit and vegan home cook meal delivery. I tried cooking a few things last week and most of them came out pretty well.

Only problem is I have a 3 yr old at home and like most kids that age, she doesn't like a lot of food and her taste changes everyday. So far she likes tofu, just plain ones that I boiled in water, and also if I pan fry with some soy sauce. But I can't give her tofu all the time. She doesn't like the soy beef or chicken I got at Trader's Joe, so I am still trying to figure out what to make for her. I am still buying egg for those days when she doesn't eat anything else but rice or noodle.

Meanwhile, I got some "bad" new from a friend. I love tofu and spinach, but she told me not to mix the two because calcium in tofu will react to oxalate in the spinach and promotes the formation of kidney stones. I googled about this and there is no specific mention of tofu and spinach mix, only about kidney stones form from calcium oxolate, but tofu is confirmed to be a calcium rich food.

don't mix tofu and spinach (2)

Posted by humboldt_honey on Nov 24, 2010 · Member since Feb 2007 · 12529 posts

Hi! I don't eat much tofu, so I can't help you there. Take a look at the What did you cook/eat today: Parents and Kids Edition! thread for ideas. What about chopping up veggies and rolling them in rice paper, spring roll style? It's fun finger food. If you can get a variety of food in her (it's a tough job for some kids), I wouldn't specifically worry about the protein, if that's why you're giving her the tofu. Do three-year-olds drink from straws? You could also blend vanilla almond milk, vanilla protein powder, half a banana, and some other fruit to make a smoothie.

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don't mix tofu and spinach (3)

Posted by faunablues on Nov 24, 2010 · Member since Aug 2003 · 9655 posts

regarding oxalates, spinach does have them. but spinach also has calcium, which is why spinach isn't as great of a source of calcium as it appears to be. calcium with oxalate actually appears to decrease oxalate absorption in the GI tract, as stated here:
http://www.springerlink.com/content/l5xh217202326110/
but regardless, there is not so large an amount of oxalates in spinach that it sequesters calcium from other foods. some greens (like taro leaf) have higher levels of oxalate, and if consumed raw, is fairly toxic. but spinach is relatively low.
the calcium oxalate kidney stones depend on calcium & oxalic acid filtration in the kidney; in other words, both of these substances have to be in your bloodstream. If you're not absorbing oxalic acid (or not a whole lot of it), then it won't be coming out through the kidneys. Also, calcium oxalate stones tend to form in an acidic urine. Plant-based diets tend to yield more alkaline urine because of the different protein composition (I think that's why?) versus animal foods. So, everything else being equal, a vegan will have a urine that is more alkaline than an omnivore, and be less disposed to forming oxalate stones. I think that there was a organization (american urological society or something. or nephrology, i forget) that recommended reduced dietary animal protein to prevent kidney stones (as well as less salt, more water, etc).

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don't mix tofu and spinach (4)

Posted by Tweety on Nov 25, 2010 · Member since Jan 2003 · 3135 posts

Excellent answer FB....nuff said.

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don't mix tofu and spinach (2024)

FAQs

Don't mix tofu and spinach? ›

As tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively, the combination of the two will form kidney stones. But in fact, only prolonged and volumionous consumption of tofu and spinach at the same time will pose this risk.

Is it okay to eat spinach and tofu together? ›

A dish such as stir-fried tofu with spinach, while it may sound healthy, is one of the worst things to eat for anyone on a low oxalate diet.

What not to mix with tofu? ›

What to not serve with tofu? According to studies, a high volume consumption of tofu and spinach together can increase your risk of kidney stones. Tofu and spinach contain calcium and oxalic acid respectively and the combined can form kidney stones.

What should not be mixed with spinach? ›

BAD COMBO #2: Spinach and Dairy Products

If you're on a vegetarian diet or are a menopausal woman or just want to make sure you're absorbing calcium well, you'll want to avoid mixing dairy with oxalate-dense foods like spinach, beets, collards, leeks and parsley.

Why can't you eat a lot of tofu? ›

Potential Risks of Tofu

Some people believe that eating too much soy can increase the risk of breast cancer, disrupt thyroid function, or "feminize" men (who naturally have lower estrogen levels than women) due to the estrogen-like isoflavones. However, the research is "mixed and inconclusive," according to Iu.

Is tofu good or bad for gut? ›

Soy has actually been found to increase the good bacteria in the gut, leading to overall better gut health when consumed. This might help explain why soy foods have been associated with healthier outcomes as we are learning more and more about how connected a healthy gut is to an overall healthy body.

Does cooking spinach destroy protein? ›

Cooked Spinach Benefits: When you eat spinach that has been heated, you will absorb higher levels of vitamins A and E, protein, fiber, zinc, thiamin, calcium, and iron. Important carotenoids, such as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin, also become more absorbable.

What pairs well with tofu? ›

Best Vegan Side Dishes for Grilled Tofu at a Barbecue or Cookout
  • Vegan Dill Potato Salad with Fiddleheads (No Mayo) ...
  • Herb Grilled Vegetables. ...
  • Vegan Spinach Salad Recipe with Maple Balsamic Dressing. ...
  • Fresh Tomato Lime Salad Dressing with Cilantro. ...
  • Salad with Beans, Quinoa, Rice, and Pecans and Lemon Herb Dressing.
Jul 12, 2021

What happens if you don't wash tofu? ›

Any food that is contaminated is going to make you ill. Remove the tofu from the packaging and rinse it thoroughly. If you are handling raw meat at the same time as the tofu, use separate utensils. Other than that, there are no risks to eating raw tofu.

Is it OK to eat eggs with tofu? ›

Quick, easy, and healthy, Tofu and Eggs is the perfect meal for any weeknight dinner!

Why shouldn't you blend spinach? ›

"One glass of spinach juice or a spinach smoothie is equal to eight to ten times the oxalate compound that your body can possibly handle. It binds with the calcium in your body and leads to calcification of stones in your kidneys and your gallbladder," says Dr Jangda in her latest Instagram post.

Why shouldn't we eat spinach at night? ›

Certain individuals accept that spinach ought not be eaten around evening time since it is high in fiber and iron. It is just the high fiber and iron which was the reason. But I don't have scientific reason why high fiber and iron should not be eaten at dinner.

When should I not eat my spinach? ›

Make sure to thoroughly examine the bag or container of spinach, looking for any signs of moisture, broken leaves, dark spots or sliminess. Discard any spinach that is slimy or has touched slimy spinach. Wilted or withered spinach can be revived in a cold-water bath.

Why do I feel bad after eating tofu? ›

A soy intolerance is when your digestive system has a hard time breaking down (digesting) soy. When you ingest soy, you may have symptoms such as gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain. A soy allergy is a type of food allergy that occurs when your immune system mistakenly triggers a defensive response to soy.

What is unhealthy about tofu? ›

Health risks of eating tofu

Breast tumors: Because of tofu's weak hormonal effects, some doctors suggest that people with estrogen-sensitive breast tumors limit their soy intake. Thyroid issues: Some professionals also advise people with poor thyroid function to avoid tofu due to its goitrogen content.

When should you not eat tofu? ›

Avoid tofu if you take medicines called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) for mood disorders or Parkinson's disease. Tofu contains tyramine, an amino acid that helps balance your blood pressure. MAOIs block the enzyme that breaks tyramine down. Combine the two and your blood pressure could get dangerously high.

Can you eat spinach with anything? ›

Stir into soups, stews and stir-frys: Spinach adds bulk and tons of nutrients to any soup, stew or stir-fry. Try chopped fresh spinach leaves in chicken vegetable soup, sausage and white bean stew or Thai chicken stir-fry.

Are there side effects to eating too much tofu? ›

The significant disadvantages of Tofu may cause allergies in some people. The symptoms of soy allergies include skin rash, inflammation, itching, fainting, breathing difficulty, abdominal pain and throat swelling. In rare scenarios, Tofu may cause osteoporosis and estrogen-related cancer.

Is tofu and vegetables healthy? ›

Soybeans and soy products like tofu are rich in isoflavones. These flavonoids (plant-based chemicals) help lower your blood pressure and offer other heart-protective benefits. A 2020 study found that people who ate a serving of tofu each week had an 18% lower risk of heart disease than those who didn't.

Can you eat spinach with protein? ›

Sauté spinach, garlic, and olive oil for a nutritious side dish. You can also top raw spinach leaves with strawberries, blueberries, beans, and nuts for a filling, protein-packed meal.

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