Weight Loss: 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Tofu (2024)

Jan 4, 2024, 01:05 PM IST

WION Desk

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a widely consumed food product made from soybeans. The process involves curdling fresh soy milk, pressing it into a solid block, and cooling it. Tofu is like the superhero of the vegetarian world, packing a bunch of health benefits!

Tofu is a fantastic source of plant-based protein, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans. It helps in muscle repair and growth.

Heart-Healthy

It contains unsaturated fats that are heart-friendly and can help lower bad cholesterol levels, reducing the risk of heart diseases.

Tofu is loaded with calcium and magnesium, essential minerals for maintaining strong and healthy bones.

Helps Lose Weight

Being low in calories and high in protein, tofu can be a valuable addition to a weight-loss diet. It keeps you full and satisfied without packing on the pounds.

Blood Sugar Control

Some studies suggest that tofu may help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a good choice for individuals with diabetes.

Rich in Iron

Tofu is a good source of iron, crucial for preventing anaemia and ensuring proper oxygen transport throughout the body.

Prevents Cancer

The isoflavones in tofu have antioxidant properties that may lower the risk of certain cancers, especially breast and prostate cancer.

Weight Loss: 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Tofu (2024)

FAQs

Weight Loss: 7 Amazing Health Benefits of Tofu? ›

Tofu is a cholesterol-free, low-calorie, high-protein food that's also rich in bone-boosting calcium and manganese. Tofu may help you to lose weight by keeping you fuller for longer on fewer calories than meat. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when swapped for saturated fat-heavy animal proteins.

Does eating tofu help you lose weight? ›

Tofu is a cholesterol-free, low-calorie, high-protein food that's also rich in bone-boosting calcium and manganese. Tofu may help you to lose weight by keeping you fuller for longer on fewer calories than meat. It may reduce the risk of heart disease, especially when swapped for saturated fat-heavy animal proteins.

How much tofu should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

Since tofu is derived from soy, you need to look at the daily recommended limit for soy to determine the amount of tofu you can consume each day. Experts recommend that having 3 to 5 servings of soy per day is safe. This converts to around 255 grams to 425 grams of tofu.

What happens to your body if you eat tofu everyday? ›

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.

Is there a downside to eating tofu? ›

Incorporating tofu into your daily meals and snacks can bring several health benefits. Those benefits include brain health promotion, ease of menopause symptoms, and heart disease prevention. However, eating tofu has some risks, as it might lead to digestive issues or interact with certain medications like MAOIs.

Does tofu detox your body? ›

Soya products like miso, tofu and edamame (also called green soybeans) are all diuretics, which help in the detoxification process as they increase the flow of urine and help flush out impurities through the kidneys in the form of urine (I personally recommend soya only in moderation as it can lead to hormonal ...

Is tofu inflammatory? ›

Tofu and tempeh.

Studies suggest people who eat soy-based foods have lower odds of inflammation-related diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Nuts and legumes, Tree nuts like almonds and walnuts, along with peanuts, are rich in unsaturated fats, along with anti-inflammatory vitamins and minerals.

Does tofu increase estrogen? ›

Soy is unique in that it contains a high concentration of isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen (phytoestrogen) that is similar in function to human estrogen but with much weaker effects. Soy isoflavones can bind to estrogen receptors in the body and cause either weak estrogenic or anti-estrogenic activity.

Is tofu healthier than chicken? ›

Chicken is higher in calories, proteins, and fats compared to tofu, while tofu contains dietary fiber, which chicken lacks. Whether it's this easy vegan curry or these dutch oven stovetop chicken thighs, both tofu and chicken are highly versatile and go well in many different recipes.

Which tofu is healthiest? ›

Silken tofu contains only about half the calories and fat, while firm tofu contains over twice the protein. The reason for this is water content. Silken tofu contains the most water, while firm tofu is drier and more dense.

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.

Is it bad to eat a whole block of tofu in one day? ›

Is it safe to eat tofu every day? According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), consuming soy, which includes tofu, is generally considered safe except for those with allergies to soy.

What are the side effects of 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 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.

Is tofu good for skin? ›

In fact, tofu actually contains all nine essential amino acids. They quickly boost your hydration levels, increase cellular repair, revitalize collagen production, and provide overall barrier support. They also lend an extra dose of soothing which helps to improve the overall look and clarity of your skin.

Is tofu really healthier than meat? ›

Nutritionally, tofu offers much to love. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, half a cup of firm tofu offers 21.8 grams of protein with 181 calories and 11 grams of fat. Most of that fat is of the healthy polyunsaturated kind. The high level of protein makes tofu a good alternative to animal-derived meat.

Is tofu good for your tummy? ›

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.

What are the side effects of eating 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 better than chicken for weight loss? ›

Skinless, boneless chicken breast provides around 165 calories per 100 grams, making it a relatively lean option. Darker cuts may have a slightly higher calorie content. Tofu generally boasts a lower calorie content compared to many cuts of meat. Firm tofu, a common type, provides around 144 calories per 100 grams.

Is tofu a metabolism booster? ›

Lean protein sources like chicken breast, turkey, fish, tofu, and legumes are excellent choices for boosting metabolism. These foods require more energy to digest compared to fats or carbohydrates, resulting in a higher metabolic rate.

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