Eat tofu to clear heat and reduce fire in spring and summer.

Introduction: Silken white tofu is a common dish in ordinary households as well as a delicacy served at banquets in high society. Its delicious and diverse flavors and rich nutritional value have been favored by people since ancient times, even being praised as "soft jade" by the Song dynasty poet Su Shi. Tofu is the best source of plant-based protein and is known as "vegetable meat". The soy sterols in tofu can lower cholesterol, inhibit the occurrence of colon cancer, and prevent cardiovascular diseases. Additionally, the soy lecithin in tofu is beneficial for the development and growth of the nerves, blood vessels, and brain.

Tofu: Southern and Northern Styles

Southern tofu uses gypsum as a coagulant, while northern tofu uses bittern. Southern tofu has a higher water content, making it suitable for soups. Northern tofu, with its lower water content, is more suitable for pan-frying, stir-frying, boiling, and deep-frying.

Pan-Seared Tofu

Tofu is especially suitable for spring and summer

In spring and summer, liver fire tends to be旺盛, so one should eat less sour and spicy food and more sweet foods to nourish the body. Tofu is a good choice. It is sweet in nature and cool in effect, with the functions of replenishing qi, harmonizing the middle, promoting body fluids, moistening dryness, clearing heat, and reducing fire. It can also relieve thirst and alleviate alcohol intoxication.

Eating tofu to prevent diseases

Preventing and treating cardiovascular diseases: The raw material for tofu, soybeans, is rich in soy sterols. These sterols can inhibit some of the cholesterol from the meat we usually eat. Therefore, eating tofu regularly can reduce the incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.

Helping women through menopause: Tofu contains a large amount of isoflavones. Eating more tofu can supplement estrogen. Soy milk is a good way to preserve the isoflavones in soybeans.

Relieving constipation in middle-aged and elderly people: Due to age, the digestive systems of middle-aged and elderly people are often poor, and constipation is common. Tofu is a soft food that is easy to digest.

Braised Tofu in Abalone Sauce

Precautions when eating tofu

The raw material for tofu, soybeans, contains saponins. Although saponins can prevent atherosclerosis, they can also promote the excretion of iodine from the body. Long-term excessive consumption of tofu can easily lead to iodine deficiency. Furthermore, tofu has a relatively high protein content. Eating too much can hinder the body's absorption of iron and is likely to cause indigestion. The appropriate serving size is 100 grams per time.

Century Egg and Tofu