Tofu
I did a post the other week on soy milk. This week I want to talk about tofu. Tofu, also known as soya curd or bean curd, is a processed curd made from soy milk and originated in China thousands of years ago to improve the digestibility of the soybean. It has become very popular here in the West as a good source of protein and calcium and is particularly suited to vegetarian and vegan diets. It comes in different forms: firm, soft and silken. On its own it is bland in flavor which makes it versatile to use in a variety of dishes. It can be baked, smoked, steamed, broiled, deep-fried, sauteed, boiled, or even eaten raw.
Tofu contains protein which is much more easily digested than that of meat. It can have as much calcium as milk and is high in other minerals, such as phosphorus, iron, manganese, selenium and potassium. It is rich in B-vitamins, low in calories, and inexpensive to buy. So, does that make it an ideal food? Well, lets take a look at it from a TCM perspective.
Its properties are cooling and sweet in nature. It benefits the lungs and large intestine, the metal element; moistens dry body conditions; lowers cholesterol; relieves inflammation of the stomach; clears toxins. It is helpful in alcoholism. Being yin in energy it can be used for those with signs of heat (red tongue and face), heart disease and high blood pressure; and it is often recommended for menopausal hot flashes. However, for most people it is too cold and needs to be cooked with something warm, like ginger.
In the US tofu tends to be served and eaten in much larger quantities and more frequently than it does in Asia. This can lead to kidney and adrenal weakness, impotence, decrease in libido, greying and loss of hair, especially in the elderly. Sufferers of gout, diarrhea, iodine deficiency and artheriosclerosis should avoid tofu. A quarter of a typically sized packet of tofu bought at the store is enough for one serving. If you have never tried it, I suggest you order miso soup at a Japanese restaurant. It is usually served with a few tiny pieces of tofu floating on top. Bon appetit!
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