Not just vegan “paneer”, tofu can stop hair loss, delay wrinkles, and prevent diabetes

In a world where everybody wants to eat healthy, tofu is a rising star. Also known as bean curd, tofu is a soft cheese like product derived by pressing soy milk. Often considered a vegan alternative to paneer, it is rich in proteins, minerals and calcium. 

But that’s not all tofu can bring to the table. Even though tofu doesn’t normally feature in Indian diets, the slew of benefits it has to offer can very tempt you to adopt this versatile food. 

Here are some that will blow your mind:

1. Fights obesity and helps weight loss
Tofu has very low levels of cholesterol and fat. And that’s what makes it great for effective weight loss. Even fermented tofu is rich in peptides which burn fat and thus prevent fatty acids from blending into the cells. So, if you are looking to manage your obesity, add tofu to your daily diet.

Also, read: This 100% vegan spaghetti and masala tofu balls recipe will give you all the feels

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2. Prevents type 2 diabetes
Tofu is endowed with high levels of proteins and other nutrients that aid in controlling blood sugar levels in those suffering from type 2 diabetes.

If you are diabetic, then you already know how important it is for you to be on a low-fat and low-calorie diet—for which tofu is the perfect. And if you are not, then know this: tofu is believed to reduce insulin resistance, thus reducing your risk of getting type 2 diabetes significantly.

3. Improves the immune system
Our immune system has been under the spotlight ever since the pandemic broke out. And why not? It is our body’s natural protection mechanism against foreign bodies and diseases. So, be it the critical time of covid 19 or in general, it is pretty important to maintain the proper functioning of the immune system if you want a healthy body.

The first step towards a well-functioning body is to fuel it with nutrients. Being rich in proteins, nutrients, minerals and antioxidants—tofu really aids in improving the functioning of the immune system.

4. Prevents hair loss
Human hair is composed chiefly of protein, and so this nutrient is required to maintain hair health, volume, quality, and lustre. Since tofu is a great source of protein, and even minerals like selenium, it makes for a great food for good hair.

5. Improves heart health
Our unhealthy eating habits and lifestyle makes us very prone to cardiovascular diseases. As you practice reducing obsessive consumption of processed food, try to fill that void with tofu. It helps in reducing the level of harmful cholesterol (LDL) in the blood and raises the level of HDL or “good” cholesterol—thus improving your heart health.

6. Maintains blood pressure
Tofu is filled with bioactive peptides and these compounds help the food act like anti-inflammatory agents. Once the inflammation reduces, the damage caused to the blood vessels also goes down. This helps keep the blood pressure under control.

7. Keeps wrinkles and lines at bay
Tofu can do wonders for your skin as well. The protein content in tofu enhances the elasticity of skin, tones facial muscles and slows down its ageing, keeping it youthful. So, by adding tofu to your regular diet you can forget all about signs of premature aging and fine lines on your skin.

Now that you know why tofu is a superfood, you might as well go and make some space for it in your diet!