Risk of heart disease is lower in people who eat large amounts of tofu

Many meat eaters are beginning to realize what vegetarians and vegans have known for some time: tofu is a great addition to your plate. Much like typical dairy cheese, it is made by curdling fresh soy milk, pressing it into a solid block, and then cooling it. Tofu can be prepared in different ways to produce a variety of textures, from soft and silky to crispy. In her latest Instagram post, nutritionist Lovneet Batra shared some lesser-known benefits of this soy product. She wrote in the caption: “Tofu is more than just a meat substitute! It’s perfect for Indian meals, offering high protein, iron and calcium without any of the guilt.

Here are some health benefits of tofu

1. Rich in protein

Since tofu contains a lot of protein, it is an excellent substitute for animal proteins for vegetarians. When used in moderation, soy can be a fantastic and healthy addition to your diet. The Food and Drug Administration recommends consuming 25 grams of soy protein per day for heart health benefits.

2. Rich in iron

Tofu is a soy-based food popular in several Asian countries. Rich in iron, it helps boost energy and fight against fatigue, especially during periods. Along with thiamine, tofu is a good source of calcium, magnesium and selenium, among other nutrients.

3. Bone strength

Calcium and magnesium, contained in tofu, contribute to the development and maintenance of healthy bones. It also contains a lot of protein, which helps build bone. According to studies, soy isoflavones may improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women and reduce bone loss.

4. Heart health

The risk of heart disease is lower in people who eat large amounts of tofu and other soy products. This could be due to tofu’s low saturated fat content and high content of heart-healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Additionally, people who eat tofu may consume less red meat, which is associated with heart risks.

5. Cholesterol Levels

Another explanation for the association between tofu and heart health could be a minor impact on cholesterol. According to studies, eating a pound and a half of tofu every day could lower your LDL (or “bad”) cholesterol levels by about 3%.

Check out this post:

Tip: Swap paneer for tofu for healthier curries like tofu bhurji and tofu palak.

Disclaimer: This content, including tips, provides generic information only. It does not in any way replace qualified medical advice. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim any responsibility for this information.