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As a vegan superfood and common vegetarian alternative, tofu has risen in popularity over the years. A protein-substitute, tofu is enjoyed around the world in a number of different ways.

That said, as it’s a soy product, tofu is also surrounded by a lot of controversies as a result of its potential impact on our hormonal health. That said, this article will serve to highlight the benefits, as well as address the potential risks that come from adding this ingredient to your plant-based diet.

But first, what exactly is tofu?

Originating from China, tofu is made from curdling soy milk (from soybeans) and then pressing the resulting curds into solid white blocks – a process similar to cheese making.

There are different types of tofu, ranging from soft/silken tofu to super firm tofu. The type of tofu you choose depends on the intended use as silken tofu is regularly used for desserts, soft tofu can be used in casseroles as well as soups and extra-firm tofu can be fried or roasted.

In regards to its nutritional value, as mentioned, tofu is extremely rich in protein, as well as all the essential amino acids. Additionally, the vegan superfood is low in calories and it contains iron, manganese, magnesium, calcium, selenium, potassium, vitamin B6, vitamin K, and vitamin C.

That said, tofu also contains several anti-nutrients, however soaking or cooking the soybeans before the tofu-making process can help to remove the anti-nutrients.

What are the health benefits?

1. Protective heart properties

Heart disease is still the number one cause of mortality worldwide. However, changing up your diet is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of said disease, particularly by including tofu in your diet.

For instance, soy products contain isoflavones (natural phytoestrogens found in plants), and according to research published in the American Clinical Journal of Nutrition, participants who took 50 grams of soy protein a day experienced a reduction in their risk of heart disease.

2. May reduce the risk of some cancers

According to research, tofu may help to reduce the risk of breast, digestive as well as prostate cancer.

a. Breast Cancer

Now while there’s concern around soy products and their impact on the risk of breast cancer, research published in the American Journal of Medicine found no link between soy isoflavones and increased breast cancer risk.

That said, there has been research that suggests that tofu can help to reduce one’s risk of breast cancer. For instance, findings published in the Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry journal revealed that women who eat soy products at least once a week have their risk of breast cancer cut in half. Additionally, another study published in the journal, Carcinogenesis found that women who ate soy products at least once a week throughout their teenage years and adulthood faced a 24% lower risk of breast cancer, compared to those who ate soy only during their teenage years.

b. Stomach cancer

Various studies have found that a high intake of tofu can help to significantly reduce the risk of stomach cancer in both men and women (1,2).

c. Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is in the world. That said, research published in the BJU International journal found that men who had a high intake of tofu in their diet face a reduced risk of prostate cancer.

Additionally, tofu also contains selenium, and according to findings published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, selenium can help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

3. Protects bone health

As mentioned, tofu contains manganese, calcium, as well as phosphorus – three nutrients that can help to protect bone health by reducing the risk of bone loss.

Additionally, research has found that an increased intake of isoflavones was linked to higher bone density, as well as a reduction in bone loss (3,4).

4. Improves brain function

Soy products contain lecithin, and this compound helps the body produce chemicals called phosphatidic acid (PA) and phosphatidylserine (PS) – two chemicals that play a vital role in the functioning of neurons.

That said, findings published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease suggested that tofu may help improve memory and cognitive function in female Alzheimer’s patients above the age of 65.

Okay, so why the concern?

Now, while tofu provides plenty of health benefits, there are a few understandable concerns around its consumption.

1. Processing

There have been initial findings that suggest that overly processed soy products may increase the risk of tumor growth.

Additionally, numerous soy products are genetically modified, and for a lot of people. GMO foods may raise concerns about food allergies, digestive problems as well as antibiotic resistance.

That said, if you are looking to eat tofu, it would be advisable to opt for the type that is less processed.

2. Thyroid concerns

According to reports found in the Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, infants who are fed a soy-diet may increase their risk of thyroid problems.

That said, a report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded that soy and soy isoflavones pose no concerns for thyroid function.

Henceforth, it would be advisable to keep soy products away from infants, as well as those suffering from thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism.

Tofu Recipes

If you’re struggling with including tofu in your diet, here are some of our favorite, healthy and delicious recipes.

References

Bar-El Dadon, S. & Reifen, R. (2010). Soy as an Endocrine Disruptor: Cause for Caution?. Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology and Metabolism, 23(9), pp. 855-861. doi:10.1515/jpem.2010.138
Douglas,  C., Johnson S., Arjmandi B. (2013). “Soy and Its Isoflavones: The Truth Behind the Science in Breast Cancer”, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry 13: 1178. https://doi.org/10.2174/18715206113139990320
Gleason, C. E., Fischer, B. L., Dowling, N. M., et al. (2015). Cognitive Effects of Soy Isoflavones in Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Alzheimer’s disease : JAD47(4), 1009–1019. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-142958
Jenkins, D., Kendall, C.,  Jackson, C., et al. (2002). Effects of high- and low-isoflavone soyfoods on blood lipids, oxidized LDL, homocysteine, and blood pressure in hyperlipidemic men and women, The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 76, Issue 2, Pages 365–372, https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/76.2.365
Kwang-Pil, K.Sue, P.,Jae Jeong Y., et al. (2013). Intake of Soy Products and Other Foods and Gastric Cancer Risk: A Prospective Study. Journal of epidemiology / Japan Epidemiological Association. 23. 10.2188/jea.JE20120232.
Kweon, S. S., Shu, X. O., Xiang, Y., et al. (2013). Intake of specific nonfermented soy foods may be inversely associated with risk of distal gastric cancer in a Chinese population. The Journal of nutrition143(11), 1736–1742. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.113.177675
Messina, M., Ho, S., Alekel, D. (2004). Skeletal benefits of soy isoflavones: A review of the clinical trial and epidemiologic data. Current opinion in clinical nutrition and metabolic care. 7. 649-58. 10.1097/00075197-200411000-00010.
Sayehmiri, K., Azami, M., Mohammadi, Y., Soleymani, A., & Tardeh, Z. (2018). The association between Selenium and Prostate Cancer: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Asian Pacific journal of cancer prevention : APJCP19(6), 1431–1437. https://doi.org/10.22034/APJCP.2018.19.6.1431
Tempfer, C. B. et al. (2009). Side Effects of Phytoestrogens: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. The American Journal of Medicine, Volume 122, Issue 10, 939 – 946.e9
Van, Die, M.D., Bone, K.M., Williams, S.G. and Pirotta, M.V. (2014), Soy and soy isoflavones in prostate cancer. BJU Int, 113: E119-E130. doi:10.1111/bju.12435
Wu, A., Wan, P., Hankin, J. et al. (2002), Adolescent and adult soy intake and risk of breast cancer in Asian-Americans, Carcinogenesis, Volume 23, Issue 9, Pages 1491–1496, https://doi.org/10.1093/carcin/23.9.1491
Zheng, X.,  Sun-Kyeong Lee, S., Ock K. Chun, O. (2016). Soy Isoflavones and Osteoporotic Bone Loss: A Review with an Emphasis on Modulation of Bone Remodeling. Journal of Medicinal Food. 2016 19:1, 1-14
Pie Mulumba

Pie Mulumba

Pie Mulumba is a journalist graduate and writer, specializing in health, beauty, and wellness. She also has a passion for poetry, equality, and natural hair. Identifiable by either her large afro or colorful locks, Pie aspires to provide the latest information on how one can adopt a healthy lifestyle and leave a more equitable society behind.

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