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| Soy and Soya Chunks |
Soya
also known as Soy, has become one of the most debated topics in the world of Dieting and Bodybuilding. These
days as there are many rumours of it being very cheap and providing us with
protein. I have also been personally
recommended by my GYM trainer to intake Soy and Soya Chunks as a cheaper
alternative of the Protein sources like Protein Powder, Protein Bars, etc. At first, I was too
surprised by the nutritional values Soya and Soya Chunks gives to one’s body
(which I will be showing you all, later in the article). But when I did a thorough research on this topic, I
found out something that we all should be aware of before making Soya and Soya
chunks our major part of Diet and Protein Intake. As I told here, this article
will wholly be circulated around the facts and myth about Soya and Soya Chunks.
So, keep reading till the last !
WHAT ARE SOYA CHUNKS ?
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| Soya Chunks |
Soya
chunks, are sometimes called as textured vegetable protein (TVP), soy meat, or
soy protein nuggets, are a type of plant-based food created from soy flour with
the oil removed. They are often used as a replacement for meat in various
recipes because they contain a lot of protein and can mimic the texture of meat
when they absorb liquid and become soft. The reason why my gym trainer recommended
it to me. They are like tiny sponges; they start out dry and rough but
transform into a soft, spongy texture when soaked in warm water. People often
refer to them as the "vegetarian's meat" because their nutritional
content is similar to many non-vegetarian foods. Soya chunks are incredibly
handy and can be prepared to have flavours that replicate flavours of
non-vegetarian dishes.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Below, I am giving you the list of Nutritional values that 100g of Uncooked Soya Chunks has (note the word: Uncooked) :
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| Nutritional Values of Soya Chunks (Uncooked) |
Sometimes
we all get a question on our mind that : How much protein is present in 100 gm
soya chunks? To answer this question, as you can see above, they are packed
with a bizarre amount of protein, they provide approximately 52 grams of
protein per 100 grams, making them an excellent choice for vegetarians and
vegans looking to meet their protein needs. Additionally, Soya Chunks are low
in fat, with just 0.5 grams per 100 grams, and rich in essential minerals like
potassium, calcium, iron, and magnesium. With their high protein content and
versatility, Soya Chunks are a great addition to a balanced and nutritious
diet.
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| Nutritional Values of Soya Chunks (Cooked) |
BREAKING THE MYTH
While breaking this myth, I’m going to answer the following two question below:
- WHAT ARE ANTI-NUTRIENTS ? First of all, I will be explaining what are anti-nutrients ? Antinutrients are naturally occurring or synthetic compounds that disrupt the absorption of essential nutrients. The field of nutrition research primarily focuses on antinutrients commonly found in various food sources and beverages. These antinutrients can take the form of pharmaceuticals, chemicals that occur naturally in food sources, proteins, or even the excessive consumption of nutrients themselves. Also, antinutrients exert their effects by either binding to essential vitamins and minerals, thereby impeding their absorption, or by inhibiting critical enzymes. Throughout the annals of history, humanity has engaged in selective breeding of crops to diminish the presence of antinutrients. In addition, culinary techniques have evolved to effectively eliminate antinutrients from raw food materials, consequently enhancing the bioavailability of nutrients. This practice is particularly noticeable in staple foods like cassava.
- ANTI-NUTRIONAL VALUES OF SOY AND SOYA CHUNKS:As you can see from above table, Soya chunks and soybeans, despite their nutritional benefits, have a huge downside and that is - the presence of anti-nutritional factors. These compounds can hinder the absorption of essential nutrients in our bodies, casting a shadow over their positive attributes. Soy contains substances like phytates and lectins, which create hinderance in the absorption of important minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc. While cooking and processing can reduce the impact of these anti-nutrients, it's essential to be aware of their presence. For individuals with specific dietary concerns or nutrient deficiencies, these anti-nutritional components can be a drawback when considering soy-based foods as a primary source of nutrition. Balancing the positives and negatives of soy products is crucial to making informed dietary choices.
GMO CONCERNS ABOUT SOY AND SOYA CHUNKS
Here some of the concerns about GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) Soy and Soya Chunks :
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| GMO (Genetically Modified Organism) |
- High Prevalence of Genetic Modification: Approximately 90% of soybeans and soya crops are genetically modified (GMO). This means that the majority of soy-based products, including soy chunks, are likely to be GMO unless specified otherwise.
- Cross-Pollination Risks: Due to the widespread cultivation of GMO soybeans, the remaining 10% of non-GMO soy is not guaranteed to be entirely free from GMO contamination. Cross-pollination through wind and insects can result in non-GMO crops being affected.
- Importance of Transparency: Highlight the importance of consumers being aware of whether the soy products they consume are GMO or non-GMO. Encourage reading product labels and seeking out information about the sourcing of soy-based foods.
- Soy causing hormonal imbalance: Experts says that excessive consumption of soy, exceeding four times a week, has been associated with potential thyroid-related issues. Some studies suggest that the isoflavones found in soy products could be connected to thyroid disorders. Additionally, there is evidence indicating that soy consumption may lead to increased estrogen levels in the body, also affecting hormone balance, including testosterone in males. For those concerned, nutritionists suggest choosing organic soy varieties and limiting consumption to twice a week would be a better approach.
CONCLUSION
As
my articles is coming to an end, till now I have given all my views and my
opinion on how soy and soya chunks are
not be concluded as a major source of protein in our day to day life. Though it
has large amount of anti-nutrients in it, it is ok to be eat 2-3 times per
week, not exceed that.
In
conclusion, we have busted the myth of
soy and soya chunks to be a good source of protein. We also saw the concerns
related to its GMO and concerns related to anti-nutrients present in it. I
request you all to eat healthy and stay safe! Thank you for reading my articles
till last !
REFERENCES
Here
is list of sites I would like you to visit as they contain the information
about my articles in much more detail and also as a token of gratitude, I would
like to give references to them :
THANK YOU !!! FOR THE READING TILL LAST AND I HOPE YOU ALL LIKED IT & DON'T FORGET TO SHARE THE ARTICLE!!!