The 10 Best Foods for Women #8

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What’s the link between tofu and women’s sexual health. Well, it’s 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.

Before you can really appreciate tofu’s health benefits, you really need to understand exactly what it is. Tofu is the curd of soy beans. And it’s manufactured similarly to cheese. As such, it is a very lean, (not to mention versatile), form of protein that is low in calories as well as fat. It has the heart health benefit of reducing bad cholesterol. And despite the concern that it 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. In addition, tofu 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 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.