Tofu is an easy to digest, somewhat bland food with a texture similar to cheese. It is made from soybean curd and is often substituted for meats, cheeses and certain dairy products because of its healthful properties. Tofu is also a popular food choice among people who don't eat animal products. It is used in many different diets, including vegan and vegetarian eating plans. Tofu is also a staple in many low fat, low cholesterol diets, and is regarded as a healthy part of high protein low-carb lifestyles.

Tofu offers many valuable nutritional benefits including high concentrations of B-vitamins, easily digestible proteins, isoflavones, and unlike most soymilk products, calcium. B-vitamins and isoflavones are said to be helpful in diminishing menstrual and menopausal symptoms, including discomfort and irritability. They may also protect against certain types of cancer. Calcium helps prevent osteoporosis and other bone diseases and helps make teeth strong.

There are three different kinds of tofu: silken, soft and firm. Silken tofu is perfect for blending with other foods because of its creamy consistency. It is frequently used to replace higher fat options such as cream cheese and it works great for a healthier version of cheesecake. Soft tofu has a texture more like al dente pasta. It is an excellent choice for dishes such as lasagna where pasta is replaced to create a lower carbohydrate option. Firm tofu is thicker and not as soft as the other varieties and can be diced up as an alternative to meats in dishes like salads, soups and casseroles.

Many healthy, delicious recipes use tofu as an alternative, because tofu takes on the flavors of other foods with which it is combined. It is quite bland and has very little distinctive flavor of its own. This fact makes tofu the preferred choice in food substitutes as compared to other low-fat, low-cholesterol, low-sodium, and even low-carb options. These other options generally have distinctive tastes or aftertastes that change the flavor of the dishes in which they are used.

If you'd like to give tofu a try, you can find it in most popular supermarkets. It must be refrigerated and is usually located near other meat substitute products, or in or near the produce section. Once you bring tofu home, be sure to refrigerate it or freeze it immediately. It is generally safe to keep it for about one week in the refrigerator and at least one month in the freezer.