豆腐作為兒童小食的素材當然是最好不過了。一串串進食,既方便,又有營養。紫菜加上蔥花的配搭能增加口感。論在營養價值,豆腐含有豐富維生素和礦物質,含有奧米加3和6人體必需脂肪酸,亦是素食人士的鈣質和蛋白質攝取的優質來源,對兒童的整體成長、骨質生長和牙齒健康非常重要。在蛋白質方面,豆腐所含的植物蛋白有別於其他素食來源中的蛋白質,黃豆製品含有所有人體必需氨基酸,這是一般蔬菜水果所缺乏的特質。 最後,豆腐屬低脂食品,不含任何膽固醇,相反含有豐富植物固醇(Phytosterol)。研究發現植物固醇能降低肝臟自行合成膽固醇,及有助降低膳食中膽固醇在腸道的吸收,維持心血管健康。
除了以上所提及過的營養價值外,豆腐更含有豐富的異黃酮素。異黃酮素是一種天然存在於黃豆的抗氧化物,對預防疾病有著顯著的效果,尤其是慢性疾病如心臟病、骨質疏鬆、乳癌等。某些研究更表明異黃酮素能舒緩更年期障礙所導致的不適如潮熱、失眠、冒汗、自律神經失調等症狀,因此,適量地習慣性進食黃豆製品對整體保健有著顯著的作用。
Tofu seems to be one of the best raw materials when preparing snacks for children, especially in the form of skewers, convenient and nutritious. With the addition of seaweed and green onions, these toppings can make the dish more palatable. With regards to the nutritional value, tofu contains various vitamins and minerals, while also being a rich source of both omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. For vegetarians, tofu seems to be a good source of calcium and protein, and for children, tofu seems to be essential during growth, bones and teeth development. The protein content within soybeans are different when compared to other vegetarian sources, since soybeans contain every single essential amino acids that human requires, and this unique property is what other vegetables and fruits lack. At last but not least, tofu is considered to be low in fat and cholesterol-free. Rather, tofu contains phytosterols, and researches have shown that phytosterols can help lower the production of endogenous cholesterol in the human liver, while also minimize the absorption of exogenous cholesterol (food cholesterol) in the small intestines, thus maintaining a healthy cardiovascular system.
Besides the nutrients mentioned above, tofu is also rich in “Isoflavone”. Isoflavone is a natural phytochemical present in soybeans. It possesses antioxidative property which is useful when preventing degenerative chronic diseases such as heart diseases, osteoporosis and breast cancer, etc. Some researches have even shown that isoflavone can improve menopausal symptoms in women, including hot flush, insomnia, sweating, and symptoms associated with the disruption of the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, regular consumption of soybean products is beneficial towards to prevention of diseases.