Benefits of tofu

According to physician Bui Dac Sang of the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Hanoi Medical Council, tofu is an important soybean product that originated in China 2,000 years ago.

According to the Chinese Materia Medica, tofu has the effect of relieving abdominal distension, replenishing qi, regulating the spleen and stomach, relieving bloating, and reducing turbid qi in the large intestine. Eating tofu daily will improve the functioning of the digestive system, promptly eliminate harmful toxins from the body, prevent self-poisoning, and effectively protect health.

Tofu also helps stabilize blood pressure because soybeans contain a lot of lecithin and isoflavones, which are fat-soluble substances that prevent plaque buildup in blood vessels. Tofu also affects fat metabolism in the liver and increases the ratio of good cholesterol and reduces bad cholesterol. Vitamin E in tofu is an antioxidant and fat-soluble substance, while isoflavones provide phytoestrogens that reduce premenopausal symptoms (hot flashes, irritability).

According to traditional medicine practitioner Sang, scientists from the US, UK, and Singapore have researched and indicated that women who drink soy milk or eat tofu reduce their risk of breast cancer.

What happens to your body if you eat too much tofu?

In family life, tofu has become a popular and much-loved food. Tofu is good for both the elderly and young children. However, according to traditional medicine practitioner Bui Dac Sang, eating too much tofu and other soy products day after day can lead to a number of serious problems.

Firstly, eating too much tofu can cause sexual dysfunction in men:According to Indian nutritionist Neha Sanwalka, eating too much tofu can alter testosterone levels, reduce libido, and decrease sperm count and quality. Therefore, urologists advise men not to eat excessive amounts of tofu to avoid affecting their reproductive health.

Secondly, it can cause thyroid problems:A study published in the journalThyroid(UK) studies show that isoflavones in soy products like tofu negatively affect thyroid function and may hinder thyroid absorption. The research also warns that eating a lot of tofu may increase the risk of developing thyroid problems.

Third, it increases the rate of kidney stone formation:Tofu is rich in oxalates, which can increase the risk of kidney stones, according to a study published in a journal.Agriculture and Food Chemistry(USA) After being absorbed into the body from tofu, oxalate is excreted in the urine but cannot be metabolized. In the urine, oxalate combines with calcium to form insoluble calcium oxalate salts, which precipitate to form kidney stones.

Fourth, it prevents mineral absorption:Tofu contains phytic acid, which binds to minerals such as copper, zinc, calcium, and magnesium, thus preventing the intestines from absorbing these nutrients.

Fifth, it leads to iodine deficiency:Soybeans used to make tofu contain saponins, which cause iodine to be excreted from the body more quickly. Eating tofu regularly over a long period of time can easily lead to iodine deficiency and iodine-related diseases.

Sixth, it can trigger gout attacks:Tofu contains a relatively high amount of purine. Gout is prone to recurrence if purine excretion is irregular and uric acid levels in the blood are high.

Saturday, it's hard to lose weight:Many people believe that eating tofu provides plant-based protein, which is good for weight loss. However, physician Sáng asserts that eating too much tofu can increase calorie intake, leading to weight gain.

Traditional medicine practitioner Sáng recommends eating tofu only twice a week, about 100g per person each time. Experts advise against combining tofu with goat meat, spinach, honey, sapodilla, etc., as this may cause adverse health reactions.