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What Is Tofu: Soymilk, Silken, Soft, Firm And Benefits Of Tofu

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Published: October 18, 2007

As a result of the many hours drained behind an uncooperative shopping cart, many grocery shoppers have discovered this painful truth: with high convenience foods comes high calories and saturated fat. However, much healthier options exist for busy families willing to try something new. In fact, more and more are discovering tofu, which has traditionally evoked fear or disgust in many Americans, actually provides a versatile, healthy alternative to highly processed food.

Tofu is created by curdling hot soymilk and shaping it into large blocks that resemble cheese. The Chinese discovered this process over 2000 years ago and tofu has since become a significant component of Asian cuisine. This health food is generally cream or off-white in color and can be found in the dairy aisle at just about any grocery store.

One of the main advantages of tofu is its porous and tasteless consistency. Tofu’s texture allows it to absorb the flavor of the food it accompanies. This wholesome food is available in several different textures to provide the best addition to just about any dish. Firm tofu is very dense and is most appropriate for stir fry’s, soups or the grill. This type also has higher protein than other varieties. Soft tofu, on the other hand, has a smoother composition that works best when making creamy sauces or vegetable dips. Silken tofu, created through a special soymilk curdling process, has the creamiest consistency and is perfect for blending.

The health benefits of tofu are making it an increasingly popular alternative to convenience foods. Because it is high in protein and B-vitamins and low in sodium and saturated fat, tofu can serve as a substitute for meats. Furthermore, it contains no cholesterol, an excellent option for people with heart disease. Not only is tofu is easy to digest, but it has a high amount of soy isoflavones, proven to reduce osteoporosis and chances of breast and prostate cancer.

Due to its unjust reputation as a bland health food, adults can find it difficult to integrate tofu into family meals. However, individuals can find many subtle ways to enjoy the benefits of tofu. For example, soft tofu can be melted with chocolate chips to create a delicious chocolate cream pie. Another possibility is to simply add cubes of firm tofu to a soup or stew. Cooks can also try using silken tofu as a substitute for mayonnaise, sour cream and cream cheese in any recipe.

People do not have to sacrifice a healthy diet for convenience. Both versatile in flavor and rich in nutrition, tofu provides a wholesome alternative to convenience foods.


Sources:
"Tofu." Soyfoods.com. 1996-2006. 17 Oct. 2007. http://www.soyfoods.com/soyfoodsdescriptions/tofu. html.

"Tofu." The World's Healthiest Foods. 2001-2007. The George Mateljan Foundation. 17 Oct. 2007. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=foodspice &dbid=111.

"What is Tofu?" Soya.be. 2006. 17 Oct. 2007. http://www.soya.be/what-is-tofu.php.
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