Bodybuilding, Weight Training and Tofu

The size of muscle increases with weight training because amino acids (proteins) are added to the muscle after training. Intensive weight training exercises cause damage to the body proteins. This damage occurs to components of the muscle fibers (structural proteins) as well as enzymes and hormones (functional proteins).

Both structural and functional proteins are important for muscular contraction. Large concentrations of nitrogen's excreted by the body after such efforts are evidence of the use of these proteins. These proteins are then rebuilt and super compensated.Tofu is of an extremely high quality protein containing all the amino acids which are lost during exercise.

After exercise the body supercharges the muscle with more protein which results in more muscle mass. The better quality the protein the more efficiently the body will put on muscle mass.Also the protein in Tofu is very easily absorbed and requires very little digestion and so will be transferred into the muscle more rapidly and will be more effective. It has four times more calcium that milk so it is good for building strong bones which is very important in bodybuilding.

Tofu costs just £1 a kilo/£0.45 a LB (1Kg = 4 meals) to make whereas special protein drinks can cost around £70 a month and aren't as nutritious. It is also a good source of antioxidants to combat the harmful oxidants produced in the body which are a natural by-product of exercise.

I am a weight lifter and do not want to bulk up to the detriment of my present and future health. My aims are more moderate - an increase of strength and stamina along with healthy eating and living as well as a long life. Some bodybuilders and weight lifters who use expensive powders/drugs/unhealthy foods might have cause to be concerned about their future health or dying relatively young.

My own fitness regime combined with judicious consumption of Tofu is suitable for both men and women alike"

Jongsan