{"id":31260,"date":"2022-07-24T23:28:06","date_gmt":"2022-07-24T23:28:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/?p=31260"},"modified":"2022-07-24T23:28:10","modified_gmt":"2022-07-24T23:28:10","slug":"is-tofu-good-for-you","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.humnutrition.com\/blog\/is-tofu-good-for-you\/","title":{"rendered":"I\u2019m an RD, and Here\u2019s Why Everyone Should Be Eating More Tofu"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tofu may sound like crunchy, granola food for hippies, but this plant-based protein<\/a> packs a serious punch. Read on to learn why everyone should be eating more tofu\u2014even meat-eaters.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n

If there\u2019s one thing I\u2019ve learned in my four years of being a vegan, it\u2019s this: There are two types of people\u2014tofu lovers and tofu haters. You can count me in the first group, but I\u2019ve been asked time and time again by skeptics, \u201cIs tofu good for you?\u201d Tofu haters tend to have a few qualms with the plant-based protein. Either they avoid it due to its unique texture, or they have specific health concerns. \u201cTofu gets a bad rep because it\u2019s made from soy, which is a highly demonized food in the nutrition world,\u201d explains Amanda Holtzer<\/a>, MS, RD, dietitian at Culina<\/a> Health. Turns out, many of the myths about this food aren\u2019t true. We spoke to RDs to learn the truth about tofu and why more people should be incorporating this food into their diets. Read on to see what they had to say.<\/p>\n\n\n

What Is Tofu?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"is<\/figure>\n\n\n

Tofu is a protein source made from soybeans. \u201cDried soybeans are soaked in water, pulverized, and boiled,\u201d Holtzer says. \u201cThat mixture is then separated into soy milk and pulp. Salt coagulants are then added to the soy milk to separate the curds from the whey protein.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n

Depending on the production method, tofu can be extra-soft, soft, firm, or extra-firm. While the consistency doesn\u2019t change its nutritional value, it can affect the taste in dishes. Silken tofu, for example, can make your smoothies or desserts creamy, while extra-firm tofu can be baked into crispy tofu bites for salads.<\/p>\n\n\n

Is Tofu Good For You?<\/h2>\n\n\n

Tofu gets the stamp of approval from registered dietitians as an excellent source of plant-based protein for vegans, vegetarians, and meat-eaters. \u201cUnlike most plant-based proteins, soy is actually a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids we need,\u201d Holtzer says. \u201cA half cup of cooked soybeans has about 14 grams of protein.\u201d Tofu has a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, manganese, copper, selenium, and vitamin A.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

Check out a few more health benefits that make tofu good for you:<\/p>\n\n\n

Tofu Benefits<\/h3>\n\n\n\n