Women who consume more soybean-based foods in their daily diet, such as tofu, dried tofu, soy skin, yuba, and tofu pudding, and obtain soy isoflavones from them, have an 18% lower risk of breast cancer compared to another group that consumes less or no soybean-based foods. The most appropriate amount is two pieces of dried tofu per day, as excessive consumption can lead to an excessive intake of plant protein, which is detrimental to health.
Nutrition experts believe that the healthiest amount is an average daily intake of about 40 grams of dried soybeans, which translates to approximately 120 grams (or about 2 pieces) of the commonly eaten dried tofu.
Dried tofu, as a representative food among soybean products, contains plant protein. Under normal circumstances, after metabolic changes in the human body, most of this plant protein becomes nitrogenous waste, which is excreted by the kidneys. However, excessive intake of plant-based protein will inevitably increase the amount of nitrogenous waste produced in the body, causing varying degrees of fatigue and drowsiness. In severe cases, it can also increase the burden on the kidneys.
Therefore, elderly individuals with reduced kidney function for excreting waste, and those suffering from kidney disease, iron-deficiency anemia, gout, or arteriosclerosis should try to control their consumption of dried tofu and other soybean products to avoid adding an extra burden to the body. Tip:
Traditional Chinese medicine considers dried tofu to be "cool" in nature. Women who are deficient in the spleen or have a "cold" stomach, and who are prone to diarrhea, bloating, or menstrual cramps, should not consume it excessively. They should especially avoid eating it raw and can instead prepare it in soups. Furthermore, some people are allergic to the protein in soy products. If allergic symptoms such as skin rashes or itching appear, consumption should be stopped immediately.