It seems that tofu is constantly involved in a debate on whether or not it is healthy. One day it is a powerhouse food and the next it is not. Either way, tofu is a common part of the macrobiotic diet. It is often an ingredient in miso soup, being steamed, boiled or sauteed. But many of us may still worry about it. So, let’s discuss if tofu is good for you or not.
Tofu is a 100% plant protein made from soybeans. This food is high in calcium, iron and protein. Therefore, many vegan and vegetarian dishes use tofu in place of meat. It does not have much flavor by itself. For this reason, tofu is often cooked with other types of food or marinated to make it more flavorful.
T. Colin Campbell’s research brings to light how our food choices regulate how our genes express themselves. It seems the combination of animal and dairy foods moves us closer to the potential to develop chronic illnesses. The China Study demonstrated that consuming casein (dairy protein) has a stronger potential to cause cancer than red meat.
When we eat a whole-foods, plant-based diet, we are getting protein directly from nature. This means that plant protein creates the healthiest and strongest bones. On the other hand, when we eat meat, we receive second-hand protein as well as the toxic waste produced by the animal through processing the protein. Last, when we eat dairy foods, we receive third-hand protein, as the food went through another stage of processing in the animal. Also, not only that, but the commercial conditions in which most animals are raised increases the amount of toxicity.
As we have seen, plant based foods such as tofu create plenty of benefits. So yes – tofu can be really good for you. However, you must be well aware of the quality. You should only eat tofu that is non-GMO and organic.
Soy protein is believed to help lower cholesterol levels. Tofu contains phytoestrogens and isoflavones, which are similar in structure to the female hormone estrogen. Thanks to the phytoestrogen content in soy, many women include tofu in their diet when they enter menopause, which affects natural estrogen production. Eating soy products can help relieve symptoms such as hot flashes. Therefore, they bind to estrogen receptor sites on human cells, including those in the breasts, potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer.
At SHI macrobiotics, we provide a series of courses to help you become a master in macrobiotics! Take part in these courses, join our upcoming webinars, or buy our latest book, “Ultimate Guide to Eating for Longevity,” to learn macrobiotic cooking techniques and increase familiarity with this diet.
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