Discover the incredible weight loss benefits of tofu, how to best prepare it and how much you should eat to get maximum benefit from tofu - one of nature's amazing fat burning foods.
Tofu, commonly referred to as soy bean curd, has additionally been referred to as the perfect food. Tofu has been termed 'the cheese of Asia'. You make it by grinding up cooked soy beans until they turn into milk. A coagulant made from calcium sulphate, a mineral, is added to the soy milk to make it solid. Tofu goes well in all sorts of dishes, since it doesn't have a strong flavor of its own.
Three kinds of tofu exist: firm tofu; dense, silken tofu; soft, and steamed tofu, which is especially good for vegetarians. Actually, tofu has been a popular vegetarian food for a long time now. Just recently, it has been adopted by US consumers. None too soon, either!
Tofu can be found every day in the dairy section of groceries, supermarkets, health food shops and specialty stores.
The Fat Burning Benefits of Tofu
Besides containing little calories, a lot of protein, and no cholesterol, tofu may even lower the risk of heart ailment. As a matter of fact, tofu is an excellent source of protein, particularly soy protein, and, in addition, contains a great deal of other nutrients that are necessary for maintaining good health.
Studies done on the protein in tofu reveal that eating tofu regularly may help reduce cholesterol numbers by a maximum of 30%, reduce LDL/bad cholesterol numbers between 35% to 40%, and increase HDL/good cholesterol.
One portion of tofu has 15% of the daily omega-3 fatty acid recommendation; omega-3 fatty acids are a substance that is usually plentiful in fish and has properties that benefit the heart. Fatty acid ingredients are good for cholesterol along with helping blood clot properly.
Isoflavone ingredients in tofu work similar to estrogens. It can aid females who are living with menopause and peri-menopause symptoms. Tofu's estrogen content works to keep this hormone in balance. Isoflavones are helpful in maintaining proper hormone levels and in fighting against the loss of estrogen. A female's estrogen supply influences various possible conditions, such as breast and gynecological health, as well as osteoporosis.
The same isoflavones in tofu are essential in combating against male's prostate cancer. Research has shown that tofu slows down the growth of prostate cancer and prevents the enlargement of the prostate gland in men.
Tofu's protein content is essential for creating muscle. Containing high dosages of copper, selenium and manganese, these antioxidants offer protection to DNA against various types of cancer.
Tofu contains a good amount of calcium also. Calcium content fights rheumatoid arthritis and osteoporosis while it strengthens bones.
Eating tofu can help you in your fat burning diet and in maintaining your normal weight, because it only contains about 70-100 calories, yet is loaded with potent nutrients. Tofu is low in saturated fat, low calories and sodium, but it has other advantages of meat.
What's more, digestion of tofu is especially trouble-free.
Tofu Preparation Recommendations
When you shop for tofu, make sure it's the freshest available, rather than sour. Use your nose to give it the freshness test. In addition, check out the 'use by' date printed on the package. Prepare it for storage in your fridge by rinsing the tofu and placing it in a container of water. It is best used in a few days after purchase.
One disadvantage of cooking with tofu is that it tends to absorb fat too easily.
There are some individuals who have allergies to soy products, so you need to consider this factor if you or a family member has known allergies to certain foods.
Strive to cook your tofu without any fat to take advantage of the high-protein fat- burning goodness of tofu.
Firm tofu is thick and can be cut into cubes then mixed in a stir fry, cooked on a grill, pickled, smoked, baked, barbecued, scrambled or made into soups.
Tofu that is soft is ideal for recipes that call for blending the tofu. Examples are high-protein smoothies, salad dressing or dessert treats.
When you want to use grill, saut矇 or bake tofu, use either the firm or extra firm variety.
A few additional ideas for using tofu in recipes is as follows: Marinate the firm variety of tofu in soy sauce mixed with fresh ginger slices, then stir fry this mixture with freshly chopped garlic cloves, onions and hot chili peppers. Combine firm tofu pieces with curry sauce to create a Thai dish. Firm tofu can also be put into vegetable combos as well as soups. Or make a tasty Chinese entree by stir frying firm tofu with garlic, soy and vegetables.
Make an imitation cheesecake by blending tofu with melted baking chocolate. You can make a different kind of breakfast smoothie by blending apple juice and fruit with the soft variety of tofu.
Blend regular tofu with reduced fat mayo and diced celery for an egg salad like dish or a sandwich spread that doesn't have any cholesterol. Add ordinary tofu to cooked spinach and low-fat Ricotta or Parmesan cheeses, then stuff some whole wheat lasagna noodles or pasta shells with this mixture.
You can scramble larger pieces of tofu with mushrooms, onions, herbs and eggs to make a delicious breakfast meal.
Proper Amount to Eat
One portion is 4 ounces, which is equivalent to 113 grams.
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