Pecans vs Tofu: Which Is Healthier?

Although pecans and tofu belong to different food groups, and it’s not that common to compare foods from different groups, people are often interested in these comparisons as well.

While pecans belong to the nuts and seeds group, tofu belong to legumes food group.

That’s why we decided to create an in-depth article that compares pecans and tofu, their nutritional values, similarities, differences, macronutrients, and micronutrients – vitamins and minerals.

Generally speaking, foods from nuts and seeds group are usually higher in healthy fats and lower in carbs than legumes, but both are valuable addition to a plant-based diet.

Now, let’s see how pecans and tofu compare specifically.

Pecans

Pecans (Carya illinoinensis) are a type of nut that is native to the United States and are now grown in many parts of the world.

These nuts have a sweet and slightly buttery flavor and are often used in sweet and savory dishes.

Pecans are a good source of nutrients, including protein, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. They are also a good source of healthy fats, including monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.

There are many ways to incorporate pecans into your diet.

They can be eaten raw or roasted and are often used in baking or as a topping for salads and other dishes.

Pecans are also available in various forms, including whole, chopped, and ground into flour.

Pecans are widely available and can be found at most grocery stores. They are often sold roasted or raw and can be purchased with or without the shell.

It is vital to store pecans in the refrigerator or freezer to keep them fresh and prevent them from going rancid.

If you’re looking for a tasty and nutritious nut to add to your diet, consider giving pecans a try.

They are flavorful, versatile, and have a variety of health benefits.

Pecans is an excellent source of Vitamin B1 (Thiamine).

It also contains a good amount of Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid), and Vitamin B6 (Pyroxidine) and some Vitamin B3 (Niacin), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Vitamin E.

Tofu

Tofu, also known as bean curd, is a popular plant-based alternative to dairy products that is made from soybeans.

Tofu is native to China and has been used as a dietary staple for thousands of years. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in various dishes, such as soups, stews, and stir-fries.

One of the main health benefits of tofu is its high protein content. Tofu is made from soybeans, which are a good source of plant-based protein, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and vegans.

Tofu is also low in calories and fat, making it a good choice for those looking to manage their weight.

It is also rich in nutrients important for vegans such as iron, calcium, and manganese, and it contains many plant compounds that have been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

In terms of health benefits, tofu has been shown to have a number of positive effects on the body.

It is a good source of probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that help balance the gut microbiome.

Tofu may also help to reduce the risk of certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol, due to its high content of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds.

Tofu is not an excellent source of any particular vitamin.

However, it also contains Vitamin B1 (Thiamine), Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), and Vitamin B9 (Folate) in a small amount.

Pecans vs Tofu Nutrition

Now that we’ve described the origin, taste, and usage of these foods, we can move to the most interesting part – comparing pecans vs tofu.

This comparison will start by comparing the caloric value of pecans and tofu and their macronutrients and then go more in-depth by analyzing their vitamin and mineral content.

Pecans vs Tofu Calories

Comparing tofu vs pecans for weight loss, tofu is slightly lower in calories, with 76 calories per 100 grams, compared to 691 calories per 100 grams of pecans.

However, both pecans and tofu can and should be a part of a healthy diet, and neither one shouldn’t be avoided if you’re looking to lose weight.

Pecans vs Tofu Protein

Legumes and most legume products, including pecans and tofu, are important sources of plant-based protein.

Pecans offers around 12% more protein than tofu.

Pecans has 9.2 grams of protein per 100 grams, while tofu has 8.1 grams of protein per 100 grams.

Pecans vs Tofu 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 pecans and tofu.

The total amount of carbohydrates is around 86% higher in pecans than in tofu. It have 13.9 grams per 100 grams, compared to 1.9 grams in tofu.

There’s less sugar in tofu than in pecans, 82% precisely.

One handful of tofu (28 grams) contains 0.2 grams of sugar, while the same amount of pecans contains 1.1 grams.

Lastly, let’s take a look at the dietary fiber in pecans and tofu.

Dietary fiber keeps the digestive system healthy and helps with weight management by promoting a sense of fullness.

With 2.7 grams of fiber per portion, pecans is a better source of fiber than tofu which pecans offers 0.1 grams per portion.

Pecans vs Tofu Fats

Fats in pecans and tofu are mostly healthy unsaturated fats. They are naturally cholesterol-free and trans-fat-free.

Total fat in pecans and tofu:

• Pecans: 72 grams per 100 grams
• Tofu: 4.8 per 100 grams

Speaking of saturated fats, tofu is 89% lower in saturated fats.

Tofu and pecans contain 0.7 grams and 6.2 grams of saturated fat per 100 grams, respectively.

Pecans vs Tofu Vitamins Content

This section will discuss the vitamin content of pecans and tofu.

Vitamins are micronutrients, meaning we need only a small amount. However, they are very important for many processes in our bodies.

Pecans has a higher amount of vitamin A.

However, 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.

Pecans and tofu contain the same amount of vitamin D, and vitamin B12 (Cobalamin).

The following table shows the exact amount of vitamins pecans and tofu contain side by side, so you can easily compare them.

Pecans vs Tofu 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 pecans and tofu comparison focuses on their mineral content.

Pecans is a better source of calcium, iron, selenium, and sodium than tofu.

On the other hand, tofu is a higher amount of copper, fluoride, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Check out the table below to learn how pecans and tofu compare when it comes to mineral content.

The Final Word

Pecans and tofu are highly nutritious and a great addition to a plant-based diet.

Both pecans and tofu are high in specific vitamins and minerals, and including them in your diet will give you the most benefits they offer.

Antioxidants found in nuts, seeds 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, nuts and seeds are a 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.