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Tofu cheese, or soy cheese, with its centuries-old history and unusual taste, raises many questions about its usefulness. What and to whom this product is shown, as well as features of its preparation will be of interest to many.
Tofu cheese - what is it?
Tofu is one of the curdled dairy products that can be purchased at almost any supermarket. Usually it is white, presented in a sealed package, where there is no air, but distilled water is added. Due to this, it acquires a long shelf life, tofu is able to persist for 15-30 days.
After opening the package, soy cheese should be placed in water, where it can be a maximum of one and a half weeks, however, the liquid needs to be changed every day.It is also allowed to put tofu in the freezer, but at the same time it will most likely change the white color to yellow, the taste may also change, become slightly harsh.
A little about the benefits of unusual cheese
Tofu cheese has beneficial properties that are different from the traditional, made from cow's milk. Among the most significant qualities are the following:
- The protein contained in this product in a large volume makes this raw material indispensable for vegetarians who do not have meat products in their diets. Tofu can easily replace all dairy products, which is important for patients suffering from lactose allergies and intolerance to animal protein.
- The amino acids contained in the product are involved in the normalization of the functioning of the kidneys, metabolic processes. Thanks to this component, gallstones are better crushed.
- Soy protein is responsible for regulating blood cholesterol. It is this component that prevents the accumulation of this substance on the vascular walls. As a result, the risk of blood clots is minimal.
- Vitamins and minerals, which are so much in soy cheese, strengthen the immune system and protect the human body from SARS.
- The role of the active components involved in the removal of dioxins from the body - harmful components that provoke the development of cancer tumors, is difficult to overestimate.
- The composition of soy cheese is reserved for vegetable proteins, which are very necessary for the growth of muscle mass. Therefore, a useful product is valued, first of all, by athletes. Tofu is in service with nutritionists who recommend this product to patients who have experienced severe physical injury.
- Iron is noted in the composition of tofu, which means that it is possible to expect an increase in immunity. Calcium is indispensable for healthy bones.
The benefits of tofu are hard to overestimate. However, it is possible to speak about the indisputable benefit of the product only if we are talking about real, high-quality raw materials.
Who is especially useful tofu
Tofu cheese is especially needed for vegetarians who do not eat meat. The high protein content in the soy product replenishes its absence.In addition, such raw materials are an excellent alternative to natural dairy products, so it will be indispensable on the table for allergies.
Due to the low fat content, tofu can safely be consumed by anyone who wants to lose weight.
From eating a product, there is no feeling of overeating, therefore tofu is especially valuable for people involved in sports, as an assistant in maintaining good shape.
The presence in the diet of diabetics tofu, allows a positive impact on carbohydrate metabolism, and older patients are able to balance their diet and get the full range of necessary components, without forcing the stomach to overload.
Proved positive effects of soy cheese on the skin, hair, nails and teeth.
Some experts are convinced that tofu can alleviate the condition of a woman during menopause.
Tofu cheese
Despite a number of useful qualities, tofu is capable of causing harm to the human body. If soy cheese is taken in unlimited quantities, then you may encounter the following problems:
- The development of pathology of the thyroid gland.
- Reproductive dysfunction in both men and women.
- The rapid maturation of adolescents and, as a consequence, the emergence of problems with the reproductive system.
- With regular daily eating of a large amount of this cheese, a slowdown in the functioning of the brain may develop.
- Tofu is also a laxative. Diarrhea can develop from its use.
It is not a secret for anyone that more and more counterfeit products penetrate the market, which may not be harmful, but there is no benefit from it. Therefore, it is important to choose the right soy cheese.
How to choose tofu
Tofu cheese can be easily found in any supermarket, both the classic version and with various additives (mushrooms, spices, dried fruits, nuts, etc.). The product is sold hermetically sealed with liquid inside (this is required in order to preserve the original neutral taste).
When buying soy cheese you should not ignore the inscriptions on the package. For example, if tofu is natural, healthy, then it should have the following composition:
- soya beans;
- drinking water;
- coagulant represented by calcium sulfate, nigari, delta-gluconolactone, magnesium chloride.
It is desirable for the very first time to acquire exactly classic tofu, so that its real taste will be felt to the end.
Solid grade tofu is fatter than its soft counterpart. In the first embodiment, and the protein concentration is higher.
It is very important to pay attention to the production date and shelf life.
Ways to make tofu
Many diets are based on tofu. And this is understandable, because the soy diet makes it possible to lose from 7 to 14 kilograms. At the same time, it is not at all necessary to change your habitual lifestyle and impose restrictions on the amount of food you eat. Simply, instead of meat in the patient's menu, soy cheese is introduced, and soon you will be able to enjoy the result.
Tofu cheese is already used in the form in which it is sold.
Tofu solid variety - Momen - can be taken for a sandwich, cut into slices for salad, fry in breading. It is allowed and its marinating. A slightly smoked hard tofu in taste will not yield to ham at all.
The gentle, soft curd - Kinugoshi - there is another name - "silky." This variety is used to make sauces, soups and desserts.
Soy cheese has been used in cooking. It can be used to prepare main dishes, desserts, sweets. This component is indispensable in Asian cuisine. Before use, it is recommended to marinate for a while. For these purposes, it is best to use soy sauce or lemon juice.
Very tasty pasta with tofu.
For their preparation will need:
- pasta - 200 gr .;
- butter - 2 table. spoons;
- grated hard cheese - 110 g;
- soy milk - 0.5 cups;
- tofu - 225 g
Cooking
- For a start, pasta is boiled, and water is drained from them.
- After that, they need to put sliced tofu, soy milk, butter, salt, pepper to taste.
- All the ingredients along with the pasta are sent to the stove and boiled over low heat until complete evaporation of excess liquid.
- Before serving, the dish is sprinkled on top with hard cheese.
The use of tofu in cosmetology
For the preparation of such a useful mask, soft Japanese curd is ground with olive oil, taken in an amount of 1 tsp. The composition is distributed to a thoroughly cleansed and steamed face through light tapping movements of the fingertips. After 10 minutes, this texture is washed off with cool water. This procedure is repeated 1-2 times a week.
Tofu cheese is a healthy product, rich in microelements, which has gained particular popularity not only in the countries of the East, but also in many other cuisines of the world. Due to its beneficial properties, this product is used not only in cooking, but also in cosmetology.
Video: tofu cheese versus ordinary cheese
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