A Look at Superfoods: Tofu
Superfoods: Tofu
A look at Tofu
TRIVIA
Tofu contains all 8 essential amino acids
Tofu’s first recorded use is 2000 years ago in the Han Dynasty
Tofu is made from bean curds, similar to how cheese is made
One acre of soybeans can produce 82, 368 crayons
Half of the worlds soybeans are grown in the USA
Tofu takes on the flavor of whatever it is cooked with
WHAT’S IN IT FOR ME?
Eating Tofu:
Lowers LDL
Has antioxidant properties which may reduce the risk of some cancers
Can decrease bone loss and increase mineral density during menopause
High in Phytonutrients
Is beneficial to the prostrate and does not put men at risk
Improves digestion
Calcium – Helps maintain and form healthy teeth and bones, helps with blood clotting, sending and receiving nerve signals, muscle health, helps keep a steady heartbeat, helps with the release of certain hormones
Iron – Required for the production of red blood cells, helps take oxygen to all the cells of your body, binds with carbon dioxide to take it back to the lungs, plays an important role in the production of enzymes, contributes to normal cognitive function and immunity.
Magnesium – Is important for muscle function and health, improves energy, and regulates of calcium, potassium, and sodium.
Protein – Protein serves as building blocks for muscles, bones, cartilage, skin, hormones, and enzymes. They increases satiety helping us feel more full.
Potassium – Potassium, Helps the heart, kidneys, cells, digestive system, muscles, and regulates flood balance and blood pressure. Potassium has may help reduce the risk of stroke.
Manganese – Benefits bone formation, balance of sex hormones, important in thyroid function, absorption of calcium, metabolism of fat and carbohydrates, helps the immune system, and is important to function of connective tissues.
Selenium – Our bodies need only trace amounts, but it plays an important role of preventing cellular damage from free radicals and supports a strong immune system
Phosphorus – Works closely with calcium for health bones and teeth, is necessary to make protein for growth and repair of cells, important for muscle contractions, steady heartbeat, helps the body make ATP.
RECIPES
Tofu Recipes: Easy Tofu Snacks to Make All Week – Huffington Post
Fried Tofu with Spicy Ginger-Sesame Sauce – Food and Wine Magazine
BBQ Tofu Wings – Forks Over Knives
Agave Ginger Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry – Purple Carrot
General Tso’s Tofu Stir-Fry – The Minimalist Baker
A look at Superfoods
What is a Superfood? A superfood is defined as a nutrient-rich food considered to be especially beneficial for health and well-being – Mcmillian Dictionary.
Dr. William Sears, in his book Prime Time Health, describes Superfoods as:
Nutrient Dense
Nutrients that have proven benefits
Made by nature, not a factory
Taste good & satisfying
May be able to be prepared in a variety of ways
Contains no ingredients harmful to health
While we receive vitamins, minerals, proteins, and essential fats from our foods, some foods have been proven to provide extra health benefits, these foods are the superfoods. They have properties that may be anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-Alzheimer, lower highs, and raise lows in our body.
Let’s be clear, when I say superfood I do not mean magical foods that cure-all, nor do I mean a diet consisting of one food, like the old “Grapefruit Diet”. The truth is, that these foods work best when part of a healthy, whole food, plant-based diet full of variety and by diet I mean lifestyle eating habits, not a short-term solution. Just eat food that rots, but eat it before it does!
Sources
Inflammation Solution By Dr. William Sears copyright 2015
Lisa received her Health Coach Certification from the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute, founded by world-renowned physician and author, Dr. William Sears. The Institute is a leader in science-based health and wellness education that focuses on the four pillars of health; Lifestyle, Exercise, Attitude and Nutrition (L.E.A.N.). A certification by the Dr. Sears Wellness Institute is obtained only after completing the extensive course work and meeting all requirements. Once certified, a Health Coach possesses the knowledge, tools and resources to make a positive difference in the health of others.
The information in this blog is educational and not meant to diagnose, treat, or mitigate symptoms.
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