Tofu

author

Dr. Linia Patel

published

26/06/2025

Tofu: Key Health Benefits, Nutritional Information & Cooking Tips

Tofu is a great meal component, rich in protein and many minerals. Learn more in our guide, alongside just what health benefits tofu provides and some additional cooking preparation tips..

Tofu

Interesting facts

Tofu was first made around 2000 years ago in China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD). The process of making Tofu is very similar to making cheese. The process starts with soy milk.

Source of

  • Manganese
  • Calcium
  • Selenium
  • Phosphorus
  • Soy isoflavones

Key health benefits

  • Tofu is rich in isoflavones which are plant based oestrogens and for this reason the intake of tofu has been debated for decades. There is now resounding scientific evidence that shows that tofu is a highly nutritious addition in your diet for many reasons.

  • May lower risk of heart disease. Soy isoflavones can reduce blood vessel inflammation and also dilates the blood vessels thus lowering blood pressure (1).

  • May protect against breast, digestive and prostate cancers. Strongly linked to a reduction in the risk of breast, bowel and prostate cancer (2) (3) (4)

  • May improves skin elasticity. Tofu is believed to help improve skin elasticity which means less wrinkles (5).

Caveat: Eating tofu for most people is beneficial. If you’re worried about the negative health effects, make sure you double check with your health care provider.

Cooking tips

Once opened, tofu blocks need to be rinsed prior to use. Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week by covering with water, as long as you change the water often.

By Dr. Linia Patel

related content

Onion
article
By Dr. Linia Patel

Onions are a nutritional powerhouse, but can often trigger IBS in some people. Learn more in our dedicated onion guide, covering what nutrients onions are rich in, what the health benefits of eating onions are, and what alternatives exist for those on a low FODMAP diet.

IBS Awareness Month: 10 Tips to Fall in Love With Food Again
article
By Laura Tilt

April is IBS Awareness Month, and we want people with IBS to fall in love with food again. We understand how frustrating mealtimes can be for those with IBS, and in this article offer 10 top tips to help manage IBS and enjoy food again.

Chives
article
By Dr. Linia Patel

What nutrients are found in chives, and why should you incorporate this plant into your meals? Our dedicated chive guide covers the key health benefits chives provide and how to incorporate them into your diet.

Book Summary: Food Fix by Dr Mark Hyman
article
By Laura Tilt

Food Fix by Dr. Mark Hyman sets out a powerful solution-based manifesto of how we can improve our health, and that of our planet, through the food choices we make. Read the team's thoughts on the book, alongside a summary and key takeaways.

more content: Hero Ingredients

Brazil Nuts
article
By Laura Tilt

Brazil Nuts are one of Field Doctor's hero ingredients, being packed full of essential nutrients and providing many key health benefits. Check out our guide to Brazil Nuts, alongside how to incorporate more of this nut into your diet.

Tempeh
article
By Laura Tilt

This versatile ingredient forms the backbone for many meat-free meals, being a source of protein alongside many other essential nutrients. learn more about how to incorporate tempeh into your cooking.

Red Quinoa
article
By Dr. Linia Patel

Quinoa, a pseudo-grain with many health benefits, is an important hero ingredient, forming the backbone of many meals as they are a complete protein. Learn more about quinoa and how to best incorporate this superfood into your diet.

Asparagus
article
By Laura Tilt

Asparagus is a staple of many of our Field Doctor meals, and this nutritional powerhouse is not only great for you, but it tastes good too! Learn more about asparagus in our guide, including what nutrients it is rich in and how these benefit your body.

Butternut Squash
article
By Laura Tilt

Not only is butternut squash delicious, but it is also packed full of nutrients to contribute to your health. Learn more in our dedicated butternut squash guide, and explore why we feature this hero ingredient in so many of our healthy ready meals.

Walnuts
article
By Laura Tilt

We love adding walnuts to our meals at Field Doctor, due to their key nutritional benefits, such as their antioxidant and good fat content. Learn more about why we love walnuts so much in our walnut guide.

Aubergine
article
By Dr. Linia Patel

Aubergine is one of our favourite ingredients, as they are key source of antioxidants and can help support heart health and blood sugar control. Read on to learn what minerals they contain and how to best incorporate aubergine into your diet.

Chickpeas
article
By Laura Tilt

We can't get enough of chickpeas at Field Doctor - they form the backbone of many of our meals due to their protein and nutritional profile. A staple of many diets, chickpeas provide many health benefits and are very useful when dieting for weight loss. Learn more in our comprehensive chickpea guide.

search