More Eating Tofu to Lose Weight, Not for Taste

If you're munching on some tofu, chances are, it's not primarily for the taste. A recent study conducted by researchers at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, found that many have chosen this food as a healthy alternative to meat.

The participants in the latest study involved 502 Milennials, with findings showing that women in their 20s seemed to be the greatest supporters of the bean curd. Researchers said they believe it may have something to do with the quick and easy preparation of the product, along with the added health benefits.

"They basically seem to care less about any health benefits of Tofu," said lead study author Brian Wansink of Cornell University, in a news release. "They eat it to look good and because it's quick to cook and it's filling."

Researchers note that these results are particularly surprising considering that efforts to support the food in the past have primarily focused on nutrition and sustainability.

"Millennials are much more likely to eat Tofu if you simply tell them 'It cooks like chicken, but doesn't spoil,' than if you lecture them about its nutritional value," said Wansink.

"If you're trying to convince a friend or family member to join you in becoming a Tofu lover, don't belabor its health benefits; instead focus on it being quick and filling and cooking like chicken. In no time they'll be making Tofu Scramble, Stir Fry and all the other dishes the Tofu lovers in the study listed as big parts of their diets," co-author Adam Brumberg said in a university release.

More information regarding the findings were presented at Tops Club Inc.'s annual International Recognition Days convention July 10th in Milwaukee, via the journal Eating Behaviors.