Tofu.. good or bad for your health?

Question

So confused.

So many people say it's good for you..

and others say its bad..

which is it?

Answer 1

It's bland, tasteless and totally lacking in texture.

Having said that, it does cook nicely, absorbing any flavours involved. I like it, but not too often, because I prefer meat.

It's not bad for you. There are lots of ways of preparing it which involve strong flavours and spices. Try it, you might like it!

Answer 2

High protein, low fat, low calorie and animal-free.  What could be better!?

Answer 3

Tofu is great for your health! I eat it all the time!

Answer 4

It's media hype of some kind. They are taking some research and blowing it out of proportion.

I'm not sure why they seem to be spending so much time studying soy; don't they have anything else to research?

I don't know of any reputable doctor or dietitian who is telling people soy is dangerous. So I would say it's safe.

There was similarly confusing information about milk some years ago. Maybe the media got bored with milk and they want to pick on soy now.

Answer 5

All the vegetarians/vegans seem to eat it.  I don't because I am allergic to soy in high quantities.  I have heard that soy isn't good for you and that it increases your risk of breast cancer.  I think soy is gross.  I hear that the soy milk is horrible.  I drink rice milk which is delicious.  Soy has phytochemicals which are similar to estrogen in your body and there are websites that say it increases your risk of breast and endometrial cancers.

Answer 6

its amazing for your health

good protein and stuff

Answer 7

Like most things, it's fine in moderation.

Soya proteins contain isoflavones that can mimic a weak oestrogen effect. It's not the same as the oestrogen your own body makes though - it is 1,000 times weaker than your own body's oestrogen. There are other plants that contain oestrogen too.

Some people have mentioned a possible link to oestrogen dependent cancers because of this.

In fact there is NO scientific evidence that soya causes, prevents, contributes to or affects the progress of cancer, including oestrogen positive breast cancer, which is the one most often cited. There are  those in the field who argue that isoflavones may be of help in preventing breast cancer or be beneficial to women who have had breast cancer.

There is current research into whether increasing phyto oestrogens in the diet helps to prevent breast or prostate cancer, and a study in 2002 found that women with the highest levels of soya products in their diets had the lowest breast density. Higher breast density is associated with higher breast cancer risk. This is the first time that soya has been found to have a direct effect on breast tissue.

Women with the highest levels of isoflavones in their diet are reported to have significant risk reductions for uterine cancer.

I have had an oestrogen dependent cancer; neither I nor anyone I know who had the same cancer was advised to avoid soya.

There are some concerns for people with some thyroid conditions, but I don't know enough about that to comment.

I'd say on the balance of evidence keep eating the tofu in moderation

Answer 8

I suspect that tofu in moderate amounts has some health benefits. But, like any food if taken in high amounts or in isolated, concentrated form away from the original (white bread  from white flour anyone?) it could have harmful effects over the long term.

I think we've still got a lot to learn about tofu and soya, and the jury is still out. recent scientific studies only tell us the specfic effects in one small, very specfic sample (e.g according to the recent study, mostly overweight American men, with existing fertility problems). Much more, varied and much longer term research needed here.

So I'm not giving up tofu. But I'm not ODing on it either.

Answer 9

As studies show: 2 glasses of soy milk/day, over the course of one month, contain enough of the chemical to change the timing of a woman’s menstrual cycle.

and if you eat to much tofu it can affect your memory. I counteract it wish fish oil tablets my dad makes me swallow.

I was surprised when i heard that considering I'm vegan and i drink soy milk.

Answer 10

its horrible so it must be good for you.

Answer 11

Tofu is healthy food, but eating tofu regularly can almost halve a woman's chances of developing ovarian cancer, according to researchers.

For those people who are at risk (family history, anyone?) for those types of estrogen-fed cancer, soy products should be avoided or consumed infrequently.

Answer 12

yes, it is good for you. its made from soya beans. very good with absorbing flavours, not nice by itself.........

hope it helps.