Tofu has gained popularity over the past years especially if you follow a vegetarian diet but is it truly a good substitute for meat?
The truth is that Tofu comes rom soy and the majority of the time soy can be bad for you because it is actually one of the most commonly genetically modified foods. According to Dr. Kaayla Daniel, author of “The Whole Soy Story,” Soy is not a health food, does not prevent disease and has not even been proven safe. Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies link soy to malnutrition, digestive problems, thyroid dysfunction, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders, even heart disease and cancer. [1]
The important thing for you to know is that soy products can be broken down into two groups: fermented such as natto, tempeh, miso and tamari or unfermented such as tofu, edamame and soy milk. The fermentation process is what makes soy products beneficial so unfermented soy products such as tofu are not a good option for the following reasons:
1. Antinutrients:
Tofu contains phytates which can bind to minerals and take them out of your body or prevent their absorption. Phytates bind with iron, calcium and zinc, which means the minerals can’t be properly absorbed.
Tofu also contains lectins which are a form of protein found in nearly all plants and animals that are tied directly to inflammation and autoimmune reactions in your body.[2]
When it comes to tofu, it must be fermented in order to reduce the level of antinutrients. A better option is Tempeh which is made from fermented soybeans.
2. Digestive difficulty:
Unfermented soy products are hard to digest and contain enzyme inhibitors which block the action of proteolytic enzymes needed for protein digestion.
3. Genetically Modified:
It is very hard to find non-GMO soybeans. Today, at least 90 percent all soy grown is genetically modified[3]. GMO foods can be linked to different health issues and can kill off good bacteria in our gut and also damage the working of our digestive system. [4]
References:
[1] http://www.wholesoystory.com/the-whole-soy-story/
[2] https://blog.bulletproof.com/revenge-of-the-beans-tomatoes-potatoes-lectins/
[3] http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=george&dbid=428
[4] https://draxe.com/what-is-tofu/
Photo: Domestic Superhero
