The Health Benefits of Tofu

What is Tofu and How is it made?

Tofu is soybean curd, made from soymilk in much the same way that cheese is made from cow's milk. Most large-scale maufacturers of tofu make their own soymilk, to which they then add an agent to cause coagulation, usually a salt or an acid.

When a coagulant is added to the hot-boiled soymilk, it causes curds (made of protein and fat) to form. The excess liquid is squeezed out and the remaining solid curds are presed into blocks. There are typically three main varieties of tofu. firm, soft and silken.

Firm Tofu

Firm tofu is dense and holds its shape easily. It's best for slicing, stir-frying, marinating and grilling. It has the highest protein, calcium and fat content of all tofu.

Soft Tofu

It is more gelatinous and it works well in soups and as an egg replacer, since its consistency is similar to that of a har-boiled egg-white.

Silken Tofu is curdled in its package and not drained, resulting in a creamy tofu with a high moisture content. Its great for blending and can be used in many recipes that require dairy products.

Benefits of Tofu

1. Cholesterol-free
2. High-quality protein
3. Has essential vitamins and minerals (iron, calcium and magnesium)
4. High in fibre
5. Good for people who are dieting
6. Contains omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Soy protein helps lower blood pressure
8. It has low glycaemic Indexes (GI) compared to other foods.
9. A phytochemicals called isoflavones have been linked to reduced risk of several cancers including colon, breast and prostate.