Tofu is a food of Asian origin that has gained popularity as an important source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. One of the advantages of tofu is that it is easy to cook and it is versatile, simply diced it goes well with rice as well as with vegetables and mushrooms.
However, you may be wondering if it really is good in properties and if it has beneficial benefits. Or if eating tofu may have health contraindications. For example, cause low testosterone in men
Read on to know everything about this food: how and what is tofu made from, what is its calorie content, nutrients. Do you have contraindications?
What is tofu?
Tofu is a coagulated food made from soybeans. The ingredients for its preparation are soy milk, calcium and magnesium salts (originally in the form of sea water) and citric acid. After curdling, the tofu is pressed.
Tofu is believed to have been invented in ancient China in the 2nd century BC, from where it spread to Japan and other Asian countries. Today it is one of the most popular foods in Asian cuisine as well as for vegans and vegetarians.
Since the manufacturing process is very similar to making cheese from cow’s milk, tofu is also called “tofu.” Despite this, tofu differs slightly in flavor and texture from cheese, as well as properties. For example, tofu does not contain lactose.
What does tofu taste like?
The tofu only has practically no flavor, if you have to define it you could say that it has a slightly umami flavor. However, it strongly absorbs the taste of condiments (spices) and sauces, so that when cooked it can acquire a wide variety of flavors.
In Asia, mild varieties of tofu with the addition of turmeric, paprika, or sweet syrups are the most popular. In Europe and America, smoked or denser tofu is generally preferred. In turn, after frying in vegetable oil with the addition of soy sauce, the tofu enhances its characteristic umami flavor.
Calories, properties and nutrients
Soft tofu is considered a low calorie, high protein, low glycemic index food. It is important to remember that the calorie content of tofu can vary depending on how it is prepared, especially if it is fried in oil.
Nutritional properties in 100 g¹:
Caloric content – 61 kcal
protein – 6.5 g
fat – 3.7 g
carbohydrates – 1.8 g
glycemic index – 15 units
Vitamins and minerals per 100 g¹:
manganese – 19% of the daily value
selenium – 13% of the norm
calcium – 11%
phosphorus – 9%
iron – 6%
magnesium – 7
