Having a well-balanced nutritious full meal is essential in today’s fast-paced world to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

It’s been assumed that vegetarians or vegans get fewer choices for adequate protein intake regularly, as many vegetables tend to have less protein content than meat options.

Here, Soyabean or soya chunks can be the best alternatives to fulfill the high-protein needs of vegetarians or vegans diet followers.

Soybeans contain a compound called phytoestrogens, which act like the hormone estrogen and provide good health benefits. Regularly eating a soya based foods may help you on lowering the health issues like heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers and it also improves bone health.

Soybean Nutritional Facts

Soybeans are mainly composed of protein but also contain good amounts of carbs and fat. The nutrition facts for 100 grams of boiled soybeans are :

• Calories: 172
• Water: 63%
• Protein: 18.2 grams
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Carbs: 8.4 grams
• Sugar: 3 grams
• Fiber: 6 grams
• Fat: 9 grams
  • Saturated: 1.3 grams
  • Monounsaturated: 1.98 grams
  • Polyunsaturated: 5.06 grams

What are soya chunks?

Soybean is a widely cultivated plant of the pea family which produces edible seeds. Soybean is also used to extract edible oil in many Indian states and is the main edible oil used across many Indian kitchens.

Once the oil is extracted from dried soybeans the leftover is the soy floor. As oil is already extracted this soy floor is defatted (almost fat-free) and is used to create soy chunks. These soy chunks are smell-free, high in protein, easily soaked, and can be adjusted in any of the dishes.

Because of (plant-based) high-protein and low fat, it’s also called “vegetarian meat“.

Health benefits of Soya chunks

High in protein content

Proteins are building blocks of blood, bones, and tissues and the human body needs protein to function normally. Soya chunks are one of the best meat alternatives, providing the required amount of protein requirements to the body.

Whoever suffers from protein deficiency can incorporate soya chunks in their meals, which will make up for the required amount. In fact, 100 grams of soya chunks contain 52 grams of protein and 345 calories. The soya chunks protein amount effectively provides one with a healthy body.

Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases 

As compared to animal-based protein, soya chunks have low saturated fat content. Moreover, it also contains low-quantity triglycerides and low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol. These elements ensure that the heart remains free from fat accumulation and bad cholesterol, thus reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and adding to the immense health benefits of soya chunks. One of the primary reasons behind cardiovascular diseases is obesity. And the low-fat content in soya chunks lowers the chances of obesity, thus keeping you safe from life-threatening cardiovascular diseases.

Regulates blood sugar level

Few studies have found that soya chunks contain a high amount of bioactive compound known as isoflavones – a compound is responsible for lowering the risk of heart disease and diabetes. Regularly consuming soy-based food effectively decreases the blood sugar level and glucose tolerance in the body.

Contains anti-inflammatory properties

Studies have also established the health benefits of soya chunks and their efficacy in relieving inflammation and pain in osteoarthritis.

Reduces risk of osteoporosis

Consumption of soya chunks which are rich in protein, calcium, and isoflavones helps in improving bone mineral density, thus directly addressing the issue of osteoporosis.

Aids in cancer prevention

The high nutritional content in soya chunks is very effective in removing cancer cells and lowering the risk of cancer cell growth. Studies observed that soya-rich nutrition inhibits abnormal cell division, thus acting as an anti-cancer food. The presence of genistein in soya chunks plays an active role in blocking cancerous tumor growth.

Soya helps to maintain the ideal weight

Soya contains very low saturated fats which helps to prevent excess fat deposition in the body, thus decreasing the amount of bad cholesterol. These highly soluble fibers also help keep the gut clean and help digestion – these all are beneficial to maintaining the ideal weight.

Reduces menopausal symptoms and regulates hormonal imbalance in women

Soya chunks contain phytoestrogens that help in regulating irregular menstrual cycles.

Moreover, this mineral in soya chunks also helps reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes. Therefore, women who suffer from irregular menstrual cycles and those in their menopausal phase must include soya chunks in their diet to receive the ultimate health benefits of soya chunks.

Closing thoughts

Soy-based foods are known as a protein powerhouse helping many health conditions to improve or help to avoid. If you are vegetarian or vegan you must include soya chunks or other soya-based foods in your regular diet.

Disclaimer – This article is written for information purposes only on data available related to spices and their medicinal properties. This article does not provide or suggest any medicinal alternatives or therapies. Please consult your physician for any spice consumption-related questions or side effects on any treatments, if you are taking any medications.