Short Answer: Tofu is good for PCOS. Because it has soy isoflavones and they can help regulate your hormones, lower your androgen levels, and improve your ovulation and menstrual cycles.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition that affects your ovaries, the female reproductive organs that make eggs.
In PCOS, your body produces too much of a hormone called androgen, which can interfere with the normal development and release of eggs.
This can lead to various health problems, such as irregular periods, infertility, acne, excess hair growth, and cysts in the ovaries.
One of the key factors in managing PCOS is diet.
What you consume can affect your insulin levels, which can impact your PCOS symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage PCOS, you should consume fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and avoid refined carbohydrates and added sugars like white bread, pastries, and sodas.
Now, tofu is a food made from condensed soy milk that is pressed into solid white blocks of varying softness.
People usually eat tofu as a source of protein, especially in vegetarian and vegan diets.
Tofu is good for PCOS because it contains soy isoflavones, which are plant compounds that can have estrogen-like effects.
Soy isoflavones may help regulate your hormones, lower your androgen levels, and improve your ovulation and menstrual cycles.
A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of firm, calcium-set tofu can give you 17 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, 3 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber, and 53% of the daily value (DV) of calcium.
Soy isoflavones can positively affect PCOS by modulating the activity of estrogen receptors, inhibiting the enzymes that produce androgens, and enhancing the metabolism of estrogen.
Furthermore, tofu is a low glycemic index (GI) food and low GI foods are good for PCOS.
Because, low GI foods can help you control your blood sugar and insulin levels, which can reduce your risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
You can eat up to two servings of tofu per day safely.
More than that can cause digestive issues, such as bloating and gas, and may affect your thyroid function.
Also, you shouldn’t eat tofu if you have a soy allergy or intolerance to prevent allergic reactions or gastrointestinal symptoms.
Because, tofu contains soy proteins that can trigger these adverse effects.
You can buy fresh tofu in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose organic and non-GMO tofu to avoid potential contaminants and pesticides.
Because, these substances can harm your health and hormone balance.
You can store tofu in an airtight container with water in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Change the water every day to keep it fresh.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing PCOS effectively.
I always recommend my PCOS patients to follow a PCOS-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.