Tofu is an ingredient that many people like, and some eat it frequently, but very few people know that eating tofu actually has many disadvantages. So, what are the harms of eating tofu frequently? What should tofu not be eaten with?
I. The harms of eating tofu
1. It can lead to iodine deficiency. Tofu contains a substance called saponin, which promotes the excretion of iodine in the human body. Therefore, if people consume tofu for a long time, it is easy to cause a large loss of iodine in the body, leading to iodine deficiency diseases.
2. It can trigger gout. Tofu contains a high amount of purine substances. Abnormal purine metabolism is the key cause of gout. Therefore, when gout patients consume excessive tofu, it is very likely to trigger a gout attack.
3. It can lead to kidney function decline. Under normal circumstances, plant protein entering the human body is mostly converted into nitrogen-containing waste after metabolism, which is excreted by the kidneys. However, the kidney function of the elderly and some kidney patients declines. If they consume excessive tofu, it will increase the burden on the kidneys, leading to a decline in kidney function and thus affecting their health.
4. It can cause indigestion. Tofu is extremely rich in protein. Once consumed in excess, this protein will accumulate in the body, causing indigestion and leading to discomforts such as abdominal bloating and diarrhea.
5. It can cause arteriosclerosis. Tofu is extremely rich in methionine. After entering the human body, methionine can be converted into cysteine under the action of enzymes. Cysteine can damage the endothelial cells of the arterial wall, causing cholesterol and triglycerides to deposit on the arterial wall, leading to arteriosclerosis.
In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine believes that bean products actually have some negative effects on the body, and not everyone is suitable for eating them frequently. Of course, the issues mentioned above are not to advocate that the elderly should stay away from tofu. Eating it in moderation will not have a significant impact on their health.
II. Foods that should not be eaten with tofu
1. Celery: It should not be eaten with sour vinegar, otherwise it is easy to damage the teeth; it cannot be eaten with cucumber.
2. Spinach: It is not suitable to be eaten with tofu.
3. Water bamboo: It is not suitable to be eaten with tofu, as eating them together can easily form stones.
4. Honey: Eating honey with tofu can easily cause diarrhea.
5. Radish: It is strictly forbidden to be eaten with oranges, otherwise it is easy to suffer from goiter.
6. Pumpkin: It cannot be eaten with vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C; it cannot be eaten with mutton, as eating them together can easily cause jaundice and beriberi (vitamin B1 deficiency).
7. Chives: It cannot be eaten with spinach, as eating them together has a laxative effect and can easily cause diarrhea; it cannot be eaten with beef, as eating them together can cause people to become agitated and "heaty".