The Health Benefits of Tofu for Women

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Tofu and bean curd are among the best foods for women’s sexual health

What’s the link between tofu and women’s sexual health? Well, to be honest, the whole matter of examining the benefits of tofu is complicated. You see, tofu is a controversial food. (That’s because there’s some concern that the isoflavones in soy increase estrogen and increase risk of breast cancer.) However, minimally processed, non-GMO tofu, eaten in less than two servings daily, offers nutritional benefits that cannot be ignored.

view the list of all 10 best foods for women’s sexual health

What is tofu?

Before you can really appreciate the benefits of tofu, you should understand exactly what it is. Tofu is the curd of soybeans. And it’s manufactured similarly to cheese. As such, it is a very lean, (not to mention versatile), a form of protein that is low in calories as well as fat.

Soy is also a source of calcium. An additional benefit of tofu is that it is rich in a number of minerals that help support sexual health, including potassium, magnesium and zinc.

What you need to know about isoflavones

Despite the concern that bean curd may be linked to breast cancer, tofu has actually proven beneficial in fighting breast cancer. You see at one time, there was a grave fear that the isoflavones in soy that are similar to estrogen could stimulate the growth of cancerous cells.

However multiple studies have shown the opposite to be true. An additional benefit of tofu, it can help ease the way through menopause. Studies show those same isoflavones that used to cause cancer concerns are now being used to help reduce symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats in women going through menopause.

And these are just the benefits of tofu that we know about! It is believed that there is still much to be discovered about the phytonutrients in soy (from soybeans to bean curd to even soy oil) and their benefits to both women’s sexual and overall health.

Some of our favorite recipes featuring tofu:

Zucchini Noodle Lasagna
Dairy-Free Dark Chocolate Mousse

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Edited by Delahna Flagg: This article was reviewed and additional research provided by Center for Mind-Body Medicine certified practitioner and Eat Something Sexy Nutrition Director Delahna Flagg.

Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided in this article is intended for informational purposes only. It is important to consult your physician before making dietary changes. More information

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Amy Reiley

Eat Something Sexy's Creator & Editor-in-Chief Amy Reiley is the award-winning author of five aphrodisiac cookbooks. She has her Master of Arts in Gastronomy, awarded by Le Cordon Bleu and The University of Adelaide. She is also a Certified Nutrition Coach awarded by the International Sports Sciences Association and she is a California Certified Massage Therapist.

Amy is considered a leading authority on aphrodisiacs. Her work in aphrodisiacs is quoted in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, Epicurious, Wine Enthusiast, Health and Playboy magazines. She speaks internationally on aphrodisiac foods and has brought her knowledge of aphrodisiac history and science to national television shows including The Today Show and CBS Early Show. She is a frequent guest on relationship and lifestyle radio and podcast shows and has been interviewed by BBC and NPR radio, Cosmopolitan radio and popular podcasts including My Dad Wrote a Porno.

Amy is also a freelance food, wine and health researcher and writer as well as a wine competition judge. Her work has appeared in publications ranging from Variety to The Daily Meal. She is an MSN content provider. And she is also a former wine editor for Gayot.com and wine & spirits editor of Las Vegas magazine.

Fun fact: Amy was the creator of the first ever comprehensive food and wine apps, Amy Reiley's Pocket Gourmet and Amy Reiley's Pocket Vineyard for Palm.