With more emphasis being turned to vegetarian and vegan diets, soya chunks are becoming an increasingly popular meat alternative. They have a meat-like density and are perfect for vegetarian people who have protein deficiency.
How are Soya Chunks made?
Extraction of Soyabean oil from soybeans is done by cooking them in very hot water at a high temperature and then using solvents to separate the oil from the beans.
The residue left behind is called soy flakes to produce high protein supplements in products such as tofu, soya chunks and seitan. Since all oil is extracted from soybeans, you are ideally left with high protein content, lactose-free, gluten-free, cholesterol-free food!
Soya chunks are produced in dehydrated form and can quickly absorb water and double their volume very quickly.
Nutritional Value of Soya Chunks
Nutritional value can change depending on the brand. We have listed the values for the most popular brand of Soya Chunks in India.
100 gram of soya chunks has:
- Calories: 345 kcal
- Protein: 52 g
- Carbohydrate: 33 g
- Fibre: 13 g
- Fats: 0.50 g
- Calcium: 350 mg
- Iron: 20 mg
Benefits of eating Soya Chunks
- They provide a good source of protein which is needed for building muscles and maintaining bone health. Proteins also play an important role in supporting the body's immune system.
- They are rich in iron which helps in the production of haemoglobin which in turn helps in the production of red blood cells in the body. Anaemia is a condition in which there is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the body causing low energy levels and fatigue.
- They are an excellent source of calcium which is necessary for proper bone growth and development. It helps to strengthen bones and prevent fractures.
- They are also a good source of potassium which regulates fluid balance in the body and prevents dehydration. It also helps to transport nutrients in the body and also plays a vital role in protein synthesis.
- They contain dietary fibre which is needed by the body for healthy digestion and prevents constipation.
Side Effects of Soya Chunks
Soya chunks have phytoestrogens which can alter the natural estrogen levels in the body and cause side effects such as menstrual disorders in women and chest tenderness in men.
Excessive consumption of soya chunks should be avoided and a maximum of 25- 30 grams of soya chunks should be consumed per day
Summary and conclusion
To summarize, soya nuggets are a healthy alternative to meat as the protein content in them is comparable to that of chicken, beef and fish and they are very low in fat and carbohydrates. They also contain good amounts of vitamins and minerals essential for good health.
In Conclusion, I would strongly recommend you incorporate soya nuggets into your diet as they are extremely nutritious and do not contain any harmful preservatives or chemicals.
