Tofu

Atarah · 18-07-2009, 10:54

Hi, question of behalf of friend. TOFU! Never even heard of it myself. Friend is on diet and it recommends a smoothie each morning, made with TOFU.

Now she has bought a packet (which says once opened use with 4 days - which she wont!) - she is not sure what to do with it.

Anyone know please?

atarah

Benipete · 18-07-2009, 11:41

What the heck is tofu anyway?.

For those like me that don't have a clue about it.

lindsay ormerod · 18-07-2009, 22:08

It's a mycoprotein if I remember correctly from my veggie days, best used in stir frys and the like as it actually tastes of nothing and needs a strong seasoning like garlic or ginger to give it any taste at all. Funny texture too, bit like curd cheese.

Tin Monkey · 19-07-2009, 16:49

There are a few different types of tofu. If you want to make a smoothie from it, then I suggest the silken tofu and not the block type.

LYNX1 · 19-07-2009, 23:34

Tried it once years ago...........it only lasted about 2 seconds in my mouth.............that was the first and last time

jaysay · 20-07-2009, 09:10

I've heard of it (its often answers in crosswords) but I've never found he need to try it

spex357 · 25-07-2009, 06:03

After a study in Java on people who ate it once a day they found it increased dementia but the general age on the test was up in the 60's. Its a member of a group of micronutrients called phytoestrogens, which mimic the impact of the female sex hormone oestrogen which may help if going through the menopause. Its made by coagulating soya milk (like cheese making) and plays a big part in Buddhism which has spread it around the world along with the veggies. I dont think its recommended you eat a lot of it and i think its pretty nasty if out of date, its high in protien so could grow some nasty bugs, having a smoothy of it seems a mental way of eating it. I myself would sooner have a blackpudding smoothie with egg and bacon sprinkles on top and a half and half tomatoe and beans on the side

Atarah · 25-07-2009, 17:48

Mm - thank you for very interesting response. I too have been looking up about Tofu, and this is what I found:-

Many People choose to eat tofu for its natural qualities, its versatility in cooking and the way it absorbs so readily, but there are some other reasons why it's so popular around the world…

It's ideal for low fat, low calories diets as its low in saturated fats and low in carbohydrates. It is also rich in protein and it contains all eight essential amino acids.
Lowering blood cholesterol levels can help to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease. Tofu is cholesterol-free, so it can really help with this.
It's also useful in keeping blood pressure under control because it's low in sodium/salt.
Tofu can reduce menopause symptoms and act as a natural alternative to HRT, because it's rich in oestrogen-like isoflavones.

Thanks to all who have responded.

Atarah