Bean curd, also known as tofu, has been in existence for over two thousand years and incredibly popular in Chinese culture. Thanks to globalization and the increasing inter-cultural communication, tofu has found its way to homes almost everywhere. People from the eastern part of the world eat tofu at least once or twice every week. Tofu is a spicy meal that many westerners order when they visit Chinese restaurants as well. According to the Economic Outlook, Chinese tofu will overcome outsell, cars, and electrical products soon.
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Bean curd holds a lot of benefits to your overall health. It is made from protein-rich soybean and provides up to eight essential amino acids. Bean curd also provides some good fat, numerous minerals, and minerals along with adequate carbs. According to Chinese medicine, tofu does excellently well in the adjustment of body liquid and detoxification. However, it has a downside: it contains small amounts of methionine. Methionine is an essential amino acid that contains sulfur. This is why it is recommended that Bean curd should be cooked along with other foods.
Bean curd with Eggs and Meat
Bean curd is highly nutritious, especially when it is cooked with eggs and meat. Utilizing the protein provided by tofu is not usually all that satisfactory. But when consumed with both eggs and meat, the numerous amino acids therein become stunning.
Bean curd and Kelp
Tofu and kelp – a brown seaweed – also go well together. Kelp and bean products are incredibly valuable, yet inexpensive. They supply lots of nutrients such as:
- Oleic acid
- High-quality protein
- Vitamin E
- Lecithin
- Vitamin B1
- Calcium
- Iron
Bean curd also comes loaded with saponin, which significantly promotes the excretion of iodine and prevents fat absorption as well. But fortunately, kelp provides a considerable amount of iodine, thus effectively complementing tofu.
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Bean curd and Radish
Tofu and radish also go excellently well when cooked together. It is, however, suggested that you should not overeat at once. This is because doing so would result in indigestion since tofu contains only plant protein. Radish – especially turnip – is known for accelerating the activities of the stomach and bowels. So, if you must cook these, make time to prepare these two separately. All you need to do is to boil and mix them with spices or flavoring.
Bean curd and Fish
Another tasty dish that can be prepared at home is tofu and fish. Bean curd, though lacking in methionine, contain significant amounts of phenylalanine. However, fish is the exact opposite as it contains considerable amounts of methionine, but little phenylalanine. Thus, preparing fish and Bean curd as a meal doubles the value substantially. Apart from providing protein, the combination of fish and Bean curd offers calcium and vitamin D. The absorption of vitamin D into the human body speeds up the breakdown of calcium while enhancing efficiency simultaneously. Therefore, tofu and fish is the perfect dish for pregnant women, children, and the elderly. The health benefits of Bean curd cannot easily be quantified. But as with all things, eat it in moderation, and your body will thank you for it immensely.
