A Thought for Tofu: A Lifestyle Trend

Healthy Comes in Small Packages

If you are deciding to shift to a healthier lifestyle or wanting to slim down, you can actually start by liking tofu. You don’t know what benefits this simple dish has in store for you.

Regular consumption of tofu can replace a high meat diet that is usually associated with issues of cardiovascular disease. Consider it a meat substitute. It is inexpensive, abundant and rich in protein. Tofu and other soy products help decrease bad cholesterol, reduce menopausal symptoms, and lower certain cancer risks. As far as the aging process is concerned, tofu can delay age-related damages, such as weakening of bones, due to its high calcium and vitamin E content. Tofu’s main benefits show up mostly in lower total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides

Tofu is a highly studied food source, with research showing that regular consumption gives an equivalent amount of energy, protein, total fat, carbohydrates, alcohol and fiber. Between tofu and meat protein one has to eat more tofu to meet the recommended dietary protein levels. . A 4 oz. serving of tofu provides 9% of daily fat requirement, 3/4 lower than pork. This can be translated in decreased risk of atherosclerosis, hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

Plant-derived compounds called isoflavones are found in soy products, exerting direct and indirect antioxidant effects. They scavenge free radicals, hence preventing premature aging. Isoflavones tend to counter the effects of long exposure to estrogen, a great option for women. Studies have shown that tofu can prevent breast cancer. It can delay osteoporosis by decreasing bone loss in women’s menopausal spine and/or increase bone mineral density.

Though tofu is very low in fat, it has the tendency to absorb liquids and flavors, including oil. To maximize the benefit of the tofu diet it is best to not use oil or as little oil as possible. Know also that tofu is your excellent source of iron, manganese, selenium and phosphorus, as well as magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1.

Becoming Healthy in Bellevue

Have a regular treat of tofu when you dine at Seoul Hot Pot in Bellevue. Love our soft tofu soups in endless variations. Enjoy tofu in our hot pots and salads. Experience Korean and be healthy. It’s a lifestyle trend.

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