Firm Tofu vs Pink or Red Lentils: Which Is Better?
Firm Tofu and pink or red lentils belong to the legumes and legume products food group, one of the staple food groups for people on a plant-based diet.
Legumes and most legume products are an affordable source of plant protein, dietary fiber, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, calcium, potassium, and zinc, minerals that are usually harder to get on a plant-based diet.
This article will thoroughly compare firm tofu and pink or red lentils and help you learn more about their similarities and differences.
Firm Tofu
Firm tofu, also known as regular tofu or Chinese-style tofu, is a type of tofu with a firmer, more dense texture than soft or regular tofu.
It is made by coagulating soy milk and pressing the curds into blocks, with the addition of weight or pressure to remove excess moisture.
Firm tofu has a pale, beige color and a slightly nutty flavor, and is a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes.
It can be used in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, soups, and sandwiches, and can also be grilled, fried, or baked.
In addition to being a tasty and versatile food, firm tofu is a good source of protein, fiber, and several important nutrients, including iron, potassium, and B vitamins.
It has been shown to have a number of potential health benefits, including lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control.
Firm Tofu is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.
However, it contains a good amount of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and some Vitamin A, Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin B9 (Folate).
Pink or Red Lentils
Pink or red lentils (Lens culinaris) are a type of legume native to Southwest Asia.
They are a popular ingredient in many vegan and vegetarian dishes due to their high protein and fiber content, as well as their mild, slightly nutty flavor.
Pink and red lentils are also a good source of several important nutrients, including potassium, iron, and B vitamins.
They can be enjoyed in a variety of dishes, such as lentil soup, curry, and all types of salads.
In addition to being a nutritious food, pink and red lentils have been shown to have a number of potential health benefits.
They have been linked to lower cholesterol levels and improved blood sugar control, and may also help to reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Pink or Red Lentils are an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin K.
They also contain a good amount of Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), and Vitamin E and some Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B3 (Niacin), and Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid).
Firm Tofu vs Pink or Red Lentils Nutrition
Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing firm tofu vs pink or red lentils.
This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of firm tofu and pink or red lentils and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.
Firm Tofu | Pink or Red Lentils | |
---|---|---|
Energy | 144 kcal | 358 kcal |
Carbs | 2.78 g | 63.1 g |
Sugar | 0.7 g | 7.5 g |
Fiber | 2.3 g | 10.8 g |
Protein | 17.3 g | 23.9 g |
Fat | 8.72 g | 2.17 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.26 g | 0.379 g |
Firm Tofu vs Pink or Red Lentils Calories
Most calories in raw legumes come from carbs. Peanuts are an exception here, but they are often considered a nut instead of a legume because of their nutritional profile.
Comparing firm tofu vs pink or red lentils for weight loss, firm tofu is slightly lower in calories, with 144 calories per 100 grams, compared to 358 calories per 100 grams of pink or red lentils.
However, both firm tofu and pink or red lentils can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.
Firm Tofu vs Pink or Red Lentils Protein
Legumes and most legume products, including firm tofu and pink or red lentils, are important sources of plant-based protein.
Pink or Red Lentils offer around 28% more protein than firm tofu.
Pink or Red Lentils have 23.9 grams of protein per 100 grams, while firm tofu has 17.3 grams of protein per 100 grams.
Firm Tofu vs Pink or Red Lentils Carbs
Counting carbs can be important for some people for different reasons, including blood sugar control, weight management, or athletic performance.
It’s also important for people on a keto diet, so let’s compare the carbs content in firm tofu and pink or red lentils.
The total amount of carbohydrates is around 96% higher in pink or red lentils than in firm tofu. They have 63.1 grams per 100 grams, compared to 2.8 grams in firm tofu.
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There’s less sugar in firm tofu than in pink or red lentils, 90% precisely.
One handful of firm tofu (28 grams) contains 0.2 grams of sugar, while the same amount of pink or red lentils contains 2.1 grams.
Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in firm tofu and pink or red lentils.
Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.
With 3 grams of fiber per portion, pink or red lentils are a better source of fiber than firm tofu which offer 0.6 grams per portion.
Firm Tofu vs Pink or Red Lentils Fats
Like most other legumes, with the exception of lupins and peanuts, firm tofu and pink or red lentils are low in fat.
Fats in firm tofu and pink or red lentils are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.
Total fat in firm tofu and pink or red lentils:
- Firm Tofu: 8.7 grams per 100 grams
- Pink or Red Lentils: 2.2 per 100 grams
Speaking of saturated fats, pink or red lentils are 69% lower in saturated fats.
Pink or Red Lentils and firm tofu contain 0.4 grams and 1.3 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.
Firm Tofu vs Pink or Red Lentils Vitamins Content
This section will discuss the vitamin content of firm tofu and pink or red lentils.
Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.
Firm Tofu has a higher amount of vitamin C, vitamin B1 (Thiamine), vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), vitamin B3 (Niacin), vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine), vitamin B9 (Folate), vitamin E, and vitamin K.
However, pink or red lentils have a higher amount of vitamin A.
Firm Tofu and pink or red lentils contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).
The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins firm tofu and pink or red lentils contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.
Firm Tofu | Pink or Red Lentils | |
---|---|---|
Vitamin A | 166 IU | 58 IU |
Vitamin C | 0.2 mg | 1.7 mg |
Vitamin D | 0 | 0 |
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0.158 mg | 0.51 mg |
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.102 mg | 0.106 mg |
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.381 mg | 1.5 mg |
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) | 0.133 mg | 0.348 mg |
Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) | 0.092 mg | 0.403 mg |
Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 29 µg | 204 µg |
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) | 0 | 0 |
Vitamin E | 0.01 mg | 1.95 mg |
Vitamin K | 2 µg | 70 µg |
Firm Tofu vs Pink or Red Lentils Minerals Content
Minerals are important for our body to function properly. We need only a small amount of minerals, so they are called micronutrients.
Some minerals, like iron, calcium, zinc or, iodine, are relatively hard to get on a plant-based diet, so it’s important to choose your foods thoughtfully. This part of the firm tofu and pink or red lentils comparison focuses on their mineral content.
Firm Tofu is a better source of copper, fluoride, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc than pink or red lentils.
On the other hand, pink or red lentils are a higher amount of calcium, selenium, and sodium.
Check out the table below to learn how firm tofu and pink or red lentils compare when it comes to mineral content.
Firm Tofu | Pink or Red Lentils | |
---|---|---|
Calcium | 683 mg | 48 mg |
Copper | 0.378 mg | 1.3 mg |
Fluoride | 0 | 2.2 µg |
Iron | 2.66 mg | 7.39 mg |
Magnesium | 58 mg | 59 mg |
Manganese | 1.18 mg | 1.72 mg |
Phosphorus | 190 mg | 294 mg |
Potassium | 237 mg | 668 mg |
Selenium | 17.4 µg | 0 |
Sodium | 14 mg | 7 mg |
Zinc | 1.57 mg | 3.6 mg |
The Final Word
Firm Tofu and pink or red lentils are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.
Both firm tofu and pink or red lentils are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.
Antioxidants found in beans and legumes can help to protect cells from damage and may reduce the risk of certain diseases and the effects of aging.
Additionally, the fiber and other nutrients in these foods can support the health of the digestive system and may even help to prevent certain digestive cancers.
Legumes are versatile food that can be incorporated into any meal of the day, including breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They can be served hot or cold, making them a convenient and tasty addition to a variety of dishes.
Holy Peas has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals, associations and government institutions. Read more about our process.
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