Stinky tofu is a "national delicacy". It is smelly and fragrant, and its dense and juicy texture attracts many gourmets to try it while it is hot. However, nutritionists remind that one serving of fried stinky tofu has about 500 calories, which is about the same as 2 bowls of white rice. If pickled kimchi is added, the salt content is high, and people with chronic diseases should not eat more.

Nutritionist Chen Jiaqi of Nantou Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare said that stinky tofu is rich in plant-based protein. Generally, old tofu is soaked in stinky brine, and the bacteria in the stinky brine are used to attach to the tofu to destroy and decompose the tofu. The protein in the tofu relaxes the tofu tissue and then ferments to produce the special flavor of stinky tofu.

Stinky tofu is high in calories, just taste it briefly

Generally speaking, stinky tofu will produce many nutrients during the fermentation process, especially vitamin B12 and lactic acid bacteria. Approximately 100 grams of stinky tofu contains about 10 micrograms of vitamin B12, which can help prevent Alzheimer's disease. The plant-based lactic acid bacteria in stinky tofu have good effects on regulating the intestinal tract and strengthening the stomach.

Although stinky tofu is good, you shouldn’t eat too much. Suggestion: Just taste it lightly to avoid causing physical burden. There are two main reasons:

1. High calories: 1 portion (5 pieces) of fried stinky tofu has about 500 calories, which is equivalent to the calories of 2 bowls of white rice; steamed stinky tofu One serving of tofu (5 pieces) has about 300 calories, which is equivalent to the calories of a bowl of white rice.

2. High salt content: Regardless of fried or steamed stinky tofu, a plate of stinky tofu, plus pickles and sauces, has an average salt content of about 10 grams, which is far more than the average daily intake of 6 grams by the nation. .

The fermentation process of stinky tofu with heavy flavors is prone to infection

Nutritionist Chen Jiaqi emphasized that if stinky tofu is seasoned with heavy flavors such as deep-fried or spicy, it may cause infection during the high-temperature heating process. Leading to loss of nutrients and increase in calories. In addition, if stinky tofu is not properly stored during the fermentation process, it is easy for bad bacteria to invade, leading to cross-contamination. If you consume too much fried or spicy stinky tofu, you may consume a lot of salt and calories.

As for the Internet rumor: "Eating stinky tofu can easily cause cancer?" Nutritionists believe that it is not just stinky tofu. Taiwan's climate has been in a dangerous temperature zone for bacterial breeding all year round. As long as food safety control is not done well, it can easily Produces food cross-contamination. However, since stinky tofu is fried at high temperatures, the problem of bacterial contamination can be reduced at this time; on the other hand, you should pay attention to whether it is fried repeatedly or using re-cooked oil, because eating such oil will ingest more carcinogens.

Is stinky tofu likely to cause cancer? 4 points to note when tasting

At the same time, some studies have found that the smellier the stinky tofu, the greater the harm. Because stinky tofu contains more lysine. Although lysine is an essential amino acid, when it is heated together with reducing sugar, it will produce the toxic substance AGE, which is carcinogenic. The smellier the stinky tofu is, the more ammonia, volatile amines, cadaverine and other substances are in it, which are not good for your health.

It is recommended to taste stinky tofu and pay attention to the following four points:

1. Do not buy stinky tofu that has a strong smell.

2. Choose stinky tofu made by regular manufacturers, the cleanliness is more guaranteed.

3. Pay attention to the quality of the frying oil to avoid deterioration of the oil after repeated frying.

4. Eat less fried stinky tofu and stinky tofu with too much sauce, because repeated frying will destroy food nutrients, increase calories, and even produce carcinogens; while too salty stinky tofu contains The high sodium content is especially detrimental to patients with high blood pressure and kidney disease. Stinky tofu is a Taiwanese delicacy and snack. It is high in calories and salt. People with chronic diseases should not eat more of it. (Photo courtesy of Nantou Hospital of the Ministry of Health and Welfare) Repeated frying or the use of reheated oil can easily cause stinky tofu to produce carcinogens due to frying.