Visceral fat is not simply excess energy. According to many medical studies, fat tissue in the abdominal cavity can act as an "endocrine gland", secreting inflammatory substances and hormones that affect metabolism.
When this amount of fat increases, the risk of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and cardiovascular disease also increases.
Therefore, nutrition organizations recommend changing the diet towards reducing saturated fat, increasing plant-based protein and fiber to support reducing fat accumulation in the body.
Tofu is made from soybeans, contains a lot of plant protein, few saturated fats and is almost cholesterol-free.
These characteristics make it a suitable food in weight-controlled diets.
Protein from soybeans can help increase feelings of fullness, thereby reducing total calories consumed during the day. When the body consumes less energy, the process of burning fat, including visceral fat, can be activated.
Tofu also provides biological compounds such as isoflavones, which are of interest to many scientists because of their ability to affect lipid metabolism.
A study published on the PubMed biomedical database shows that soybean isoflavone compounds can improve the metabolism of fatty acids in visceral fat tissue.
Tofu can affect visceral fat through many mechanisms:
Increase fat metabolism
Isoflavones and soy protein can activate enzymes involved in fat burning, helping the body use energy more efficiently.
Improve metabolic hormones
Some studies show that compounds from soybeans can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammatory signs associated with obesity.
Reduce overall calorie intake
Tofu is a low-energy but protein-rich food, helping to feel full longer and limiting eating too many fatty foods.
Nutrition experts recommend processing tofu in a low-fat way to maximize benefits. Some common eating methods include:
Steamed or boiled tofu
Tofu soup with seaweed or greens
Tofu salad with vegetables
Low-fat tomato sauce tofu
Combining tofu with fiber-rich foods such as green vegetables and whole grains also helps improve metabolism.
