April is National Soyfoods Month and we're pleased about that! Tofu features prominently in many of our menu items, like mapo tofu, shredded pork in hot sauce and black mushroom in tofu roll. It's a healthy substitute for meat and has been touted for decades as a source of nutrients, including protein, amino acids, calcium and fiber. Soy also contains phytochemicals that are beneficial to our health. The main difference between tofu and meat protein is that you have to eat more tofu to meet the recommended dietary protein levels.
In the charts below, you can compare the nutritional values between tofu and chicken.
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| Chicken |
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| Tofu |
Using soy as a replacement for animal foods allows us to keep calcium in our diet as they are high in calcium, which is one of the most important nutrients we can consume for healthy bones. Soy also contains magnesium and boron, two nutrients that enhance the effects of calcium.
Soy is good for your heart. It lowers LDL (bad cholesterol) levels, while preserving HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Soy also contains lecithin and Vitamin E, two natural antioxidants that are good for the heart, and prevents blood clots.
Isoflavones found in soy products have been found to exert antioxidant effects. They directly scavenge free radicals, thereby preventing premature aging. It is also believed to prevent the growth of cancer in a number of ways. They can prevent estrogen from entering cells, and may block processes that are necessary for cancer to take hold, grow and spread.
Add More Soy to Your Diet
It's easy to grab a carton of soymilk when you next go grocery shopping. There are different flavors to keep it interesting -- chocolate, vanilla, mocha, etc. If you don't like soy milk then there's always edamame or soy nuts, both great as anytime snacks. Look online for great tofu recipes that are delicious and easy to prepare.
And finally, you can always come to us for some of these tasty tofu dishes! Vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are available.
