Why is tofu good for you?

Our tofu tastes great but we often get asked why tofu is good for you. Here are just a few things to think about…….

What is tofu

Tofu is a food made of coagulated soy milk that is pressed into solid white blocks in a process quite similar to cheesemaking. Like many soya foods, tofu originated in China. Legend has it that it was discovered about 2000 years ago by a Chinese cook who accidentally curdled soy milk when he added nigari seaweed.

What are the nutritional benefits of tofu?

Tofu is a good source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also a valuable plant source of iron and calcium and the minerals manganese and phosphorous. In addition to this, it also contains magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1.

Turning soya beans into tofu involves minimal processing. Consequently tofu is thought to provide many of the same benefits as soya beans.

Is tofu better for you than meat?

Studies show that regularly eating tofu can provide lower total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, although you might need to eat more of it to equal the same amount of protein consumed by eating chicken (about 290 grams of tofu to 150 grams of lean meat).

One thing worth remembering is that over 80% of all soy harvest goes into animal food and then you eat the soybean in form of meat so eating tofu is a more efficient way of ingesting protein than via meat!