Build Muscle With Tofu – Don’t Fear Soy

Soy is really misunderstood. There are lots of misinformed voices out there that shout from the rooftops about the dangers of soy to masculinity and Testosterone production. Tofu is a high-protein vegetarian food product that is made from soy. It's incredibly common in many Asian diets but is pretty uncommon in the West. It's really only in the last 20 or 30 years that Americans even see tofu in regular grocery stores.

Some guys think that soy and tofu cause estrogen levels to skyrocket and that they can even lead to gynecomastia (a fancy word for what regular people call man boobs). There were a few studies that showed how massive doses of soy could impair Testosterone Levels, and the rumor mill ran with it. As with most myths, there is a spot of truth linking soy to estrogen. Soy and tofu are rich in phytoestrogens, which are plant-based variations of the estrogen produced by the human body.

Soy is Not the Enemy

Fortunately, the fear of soy appears to be completely unwarranted. Old studies that showed a link between cancer and soy have been disproven. Furthermore, more recent research has shown that including tofu and soy in the diet can even have a protective effect against breast and prostate cancer, among others. A lot of the research that made soy look more dangerous came from animal and non-human research. Most of the studies actually involving humans show a positive impact regarding the inclusion of soy in one's diet.

Tofu Rich in Protein, Good Alternative to Meat Products

Variety is incredibly important to a healthy diet, and that alone should warrant an open mind toward tofu. An over-reliance on meat as a source of protein can have unhealthy effects on the human body, and tofu is a protein-rich food source that allows us to eat less meat but still get the protein that we need. Tofu is also rich in many minerals and vitamins, including zinc, iron, selenium, and calcium. Modern nutrition science offers a strong argument that most men should be adding tofu to their diet.

Tofu is the result of a relatively complex cooking process. Tofu is a derivative of soybeans, which are soaked, pulverized, and cooked. Soy milk is extracted from the pulp, and magnesium or calcium salts are blended in to solidify the product. Homemade tofu is possible but challenging, and most people just buy squares of it at the store.

Tofu is great because it's really a jack-of-all-trades. It contains the full range of amino acids and is easy to include in practically any meal. It's particularly rich in protein, but it also has fat, fiber, and carbs. It goes toe-to-toe with most meats in terms of protein-per-serving, practically equal to beef.

Why Do People Think Soy Causes Man Boobs?

There was once a case study that concluded that eating soy reduced sex drive and induced gynecomastia. It was true for the man in this case study because he was eating an extraordinary amount of soy each day, far more than most men ever would without purposefully trying. Further inquiries after the initial case study included larger numbers of men eating rational amounts of soy. When consumed in reasonable portions, foods made from soy don't have a negative impact on hormone balance.

Eat Tofu for Health and Strength!

There's a massive body of evidence growing in favor of soy and tofu. Tofu is rich in highly beneficial anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatories. There are studies that suggest soy can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer and improve cardiovascular outcomes. There's even research that shows that soy is good for the skin and can even relieve depression! Soy appears to be good for mental and cognitive health in general and helps protect against dementia.

If you're looking to build muscle, soy protein is a powerful tool that can help you build muscle mass more quickly. A good diet is an important part of strength training. Soy protein contains the whole range of amino acids, meaning that it provides all the building blocks to lean muscle generation! If you're looking to lose weight, tofu and soy can help you protect muscle mass as you burn fat.

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