Although tofu has been around for centuries, it’s fascinating to note that many are now beginning to doubt the validity of the claim that it is actually beneficial.
We are receiving a lot of questions like is it as healthy as people say? Is it naturally acidic or alkaline?
If you too are snoopy about it. We’ve revealed the truth below.
Is tofu alkaline or Acidic?
Popularly known as bean curd, tofu is a protein-rich meal. It was developed in China and is identified as solid white slabs of condensed soy milk.
Tofu has always been a crucial dietary item in Southeast Asia, particularly in China and Japan. Having a subtle flavor, it finds a lot of ways into many sweet and savory dishes.
It has a pH ranging between 7.2 to 7.5, slightly above the neutral level on the pH scale. And is thus more alkaline than acidic. This alkalinity happens to be because of the soy milk used to make tofu.
The soy milk used to make tofu is extracted from soybeans which are naturally alkaline. This soymilk is then coagulated and the resulting curds are pressed into solid slabs or blocks of varying textures. The texture can be soft, silken, firm, and extra or super firm, depending on the types of legumes used to extract the milk.
Now that you know that tofu is alkaline, a question might arise in your mind that is it fine to eat tofu? Here is the answer!
Is it safe to consume tofu?
Tofu is typically safe to eat. It is a fantastic option for those following an alkaline diet. It is also a healthy choice for the stomach.
Because of its alkaline nature, tofu may balance the acids that are produced in your stomach. As a consequence, it lessens GERD and acid digestive problems.
Besides this, tofu contains a lot of vitamins, minerals, and protein which impart numerous other health advantages to it as well. And that’s the reason, it has long been a part of Southeast Asian diets.
Here are some must-know health advantages of this superfood.
Health benefits of tofu
Provided that tofu is manufactured from soybeans, it has a wealth of nutrients.
Tofu’s alkaline makeup makes it particularly suitable for dietary patterns. As already mentioned, if you are on an alkaline diet, this might be a suitable choice to include.
The consumption of tofu lowers the chance of developing heart diseases. This is because the compounds found in soybeans work to reduce blood pressure and cardiovascular inflammation. Additionally, eating tofu improves blood lipids, reduces the chance of stroke, and raises amounts of decent cholesterol.
Tofu is an excellent source of iron and calcium, which are crucial for vegetarians, vegans, and pregnant women who may be deficient in this mineral.
Tofu is also low in fats. Fats are believed to decline digestion and increase the need for gastric acid. So, consuming tofu and other meals low in fat can aid in preventing heartburn and acid reflux.
If you are on a vegetarian diet, tofu can be a great meat and fish substitute. It has a lot of important minerals and vitamins that can support your health and ability to fend off sickness.
In a diet for losing weight, tofu may be a fantastic source of protein with fewer calories. It contains a low carbohydrate content as well. Probably that’s why according to various studies, eating tofu along with a meal rich in vegetables might result in losing weight.
Drawbacks of using tofu
Certain research studies indicate that consuming more tofu and soybeans may impair fertility and increase the likelihood of breast cancer. Although these claims have not been formally verified, it is nonetheless advised to utilize tofu at a modest pace.
When tofu is fried, its pH remains the same as in its original form. However, the inclusion of oil and the cooking procedure might make it worse on your stomach, aggravating the symptoms of GERD.
This occurs because such fat is much more difficult to break down than other foods, and thus increases the quantity of acid your stomach produces. Therefore, tofu should be prepared in a simple natural way with the least oil.
Here is the safer way out
The analysis above demonstrates that eating tofu has far more advantages than disadvantages. Even the few negatives have not yet been verified, only speculated. The best course of action in everything is to work on finding equilibrium.
The first and most important thing to remember is to attempt making tofu as naturally as you can. It is because the inherently alkaline pH of tofu has a variety of advantages.
Secondly, excessive consumption is never good. So, tofu should be consumed in moderation to maintain good health and reap maximum benefits.
Final thoughts
Tofu has an alkaline pH range of 7.2 to 7.5. The alkaline pH is associated with preventing acid reflexes, bringing down blood pressure, and reducing the likelihood of heartburn. Its natural alkaline state also makes it effective in balancing your stomach’s acids.
All this makes tofu a beneficial complement to your diet. It is the ideal replacement for meat and seafood and is consumer-friendly. However, extremely high tofu intake must be avoided because it might be harmful to one’s health.
So, if you are thinking of including tofu in your diet, it might be the right decision. However, it must be noted that the greatest strategy for keeping things in check is to choose moderate consumption.