Today, it is one of the most popular plant-based foods and an easy substitute for animal products like chicken and eggs. According to the American Heart Association, tofu also contains essential vitamins and minerals like:CalciumManganeseIronVitamin AThe plant-based food also has isoflavones, a type of plant estrogen, says Mok. Soy products and isoflavones aren't looked at favorably in the U.S. due to a complicated history, according to the AHA. This has caused many to raise an eyebrow at tofu as a healthy alternative. Here's what Mok says — and research shows — about whether or not tofu qualifies as a healthy food.

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Persons: Jamie Mok, aren't, Mok Organizations: Academy of Nutrition, American Heart Association, AHA Locations: Asia, U.S