We are always incredibly happy when we know how to make our food a little healthier and meatier. Why we belong to those who like to use tofu in the restaurant or at home. The "bean cheese" is obtained from the proteins of soymilk; the process is very similar to the production of cheese. The result is a cut-firm mass that smoked or in combination with spicy sauce develops a pleasant taste. In addition, tofu is also very digestible, contains hardly any calories (100 grams comes to just 76 calories – three times less than lean chicken) and cholesterol, but a lot of calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, folic acid and vitamins. Worldwide studies have also confirmed that soy can promote digestion and reduce blood lipids. Vegetarians hardly ever get over soy as a source of high-quality protein In short, it's a delicious meat alternative for part-time or full-time vegetarians.

If not lately more and more negative headlines about tofu would come up. We clarify the background: How much soy is healthy? Although tofu is undisputedly healthy, there is a minor caveat: soy contains phytochemicals – isoflavones – which, depending on the amount, have been shown to be carcinogenic and cytoprotective in animal studies but also carcinogenic in certain circumstances. Based on more than 50 independent studies, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends 25 grams of soy protein per day as part of a heart-healthy diet. This is equivalent to about 300 g of tofu or 800 ml of soy milk. Is soya always genetically engineered? Soy is cheap and a real protein bomb – that makes the bean an important ingredient in the food industry. Of course, the increased demand is also putting the suppliers under pressure. the unfortunate consequence: 70% of the world's fields are cultivated with genetically modified varieties. But there is no reason to be overly concerned about genetically modified soya – at least in the EU. Here, tofu, which is made from genetically modified seeds, should be labeled. This is detrimental to sales, which is why most European manufacturers do not use genetically modified soybeans. Things are different in the Asian shop, where Greenpeace discovered some genetically modified products. Nonetheless, genetically modified soya ends up on our plate indirectly – namely through genetically modified animal feed in meat, milk or eggs. Does soy damage fertility? Some studies claim that taking tofu reduces sperm count and risks infertility. But again, the hypotheses are not covered by truly conclusive research. The truth: sperm are produced in vast abundance. Even if the sperm count is slightly reduced by frequent, high soy consumption, this is irrelevant to the man's fertility. It is particularly absurd, if some websites claim that soy consumption prevents pregnancy. What effects does soy have on the hormones? Soy contains lots of phytoestrogens – plant substances that are similar to the female sex hormone estrogen. However, the substances contained in soybean are much lower than the real hormone – so for men who like to eat tofu, there is absolutely no danger of feminization. In contrast, soy consumption may even lower the risk of prostate cancer. However, in people whose thyroid function is disturbed (for example due to iodine deficiency), soy foods may increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism. QUESTION TO ALL VEGETARIANS: WHAT ROLE AS A MEAT SUBJECT DOES SOY SAY FOR YOU? WHAT DOES YOUR FOOD LOOK AT? – Commented under this article!