Tofu is a better option than paneer for dinner, know why ?

February 27,Kathmandu.Protein is very important for our body along with vitamins and minerals. There are many sources of protein for non-vegetarians, but the sources of protein are limited for vegetarians. Most people prefer paneer for protein. However, tofu or soya paneer is also an excellent source of protein. Eating both of these has its own benefits. Both can replace each other in cooking, but in terms of nutrients, they are slightly different from each other.

What is the difference between Paneer and Tofu?

Usually people think that Paneer and Tofu are the same, but it is not so at all. Tofu is a plant-based protein, which is made from soybean. Paneer is an animal-based protein, which is made from milk. Both of these are rich in protein and calcium as well as many essential nutrients. However, the nutritional value of both of them is different.

What is the difference between plant based and animal based protein?

Both plant based and animal based protein are excellent sources of protein in their own places. The importance of both of them is also different.

Which protein is best for gaining or losing weight?  

Dietitian Shilpi Goyal says that if you want to gain weight quickly and build muscles, then animal based protein is better. It contains more calories and healthy fats. Therefore, muscles grow faster.

On the other hand, plant-based protein is good for those who want to lose weight. These proteins provide the necessary nutrition to the body without increasing too many calories and fat.

How does tofu help in weight loss?

Dietitian Shilpi Goyal says that tofu is a low-calorie food. Therefore, it is helpful in reducing weight. It is rich in protein, which makes the stomach feel full for a long time. Consuming it does not make you feel hungry again and again. Apart from this, tofu is a plant-based food. Therefore, eating it does not increase the level of cholesterol in the body. People who want to lose weight can include it in their daily diet.

How can you include tofu in your diet?  

You can include it in your diet in some easy ways. Such as-

Keep in mind that tofu should always be cooked well so that it tastes better. Use less oil and less spices while preparing it.

Is it beneficial to eat paneer or tofu at night?  

Dietitian Shilpi Goyal says that paneer is heavy and is digested slowly. Actually our metabolism is slow at night, due to which it takes time to digest. Some people may have problems of gas, acidity or indigestion by eating paneer at night.

Tofu is made from soy and has less fat than paneer. So it is easier to digest. It is a better option than paneer for dinner.

Whose protein is more digestible among paneer and tofu?  

Tofu is made from soy protein, which is plant-based and light. Therefore it is easily digested. Whereas paneer contains high saturated fat, which is digested slowly and takes longer.

How should underweight people include cheese in their diet to gain weight?

Paneer is a high-calorie, high-protein and healthy fat-rich food. To gain weight, you can include paneer in breakfast, lunch, snacks or dinner. Apart from this, you can also eat paneer by mixing it in salad, vegetable or sandwich. However, if you are already following a weight gain diet, then definitely consult a dietician before including paneer in your diet.

How much paneer or tofu is safe to eat every day?

Dietitian Shilpi Goyal says that the daily diet limit of paneer and tofu depends on the age and physical activity of the person. Generally, a healthy person can eat 100-150 grams of tofu every day.

If you need more protein, you can eat up to 200 grams of tofu every day. On the other hand, a healthy person can eat an average of 50-100 grams of paneer every day. If you want to build muscles or gain weight, you can include up to 150 grams of paneer in your diet. However, do the necessary workouts along with it.