Soya Chunks: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects By Dr. Smita Barode

Introduction

In the last few years, the vegetarian diet has been gaining popularity as many people are looking for alternatives to non-vegetarian foods. The animal diet contains protein which is an essential part of one’s diet and crucial for the growth of humans. However, vegetarians can’t consume meat. Alternatively, plant-based protein like soya chunks is now being utilised to meet the protein demand. Soya chunks are derived from soya bean which is scientifically known as Glycine max belonging to the pea family (Fabaceae). Past reports of the cultivation of soybean started in Asia and US being the largest grower of the crop now. Soybeans, part of the legume species, contain proteins. Glycinin and β-conglycinin. Along with proteins, they also contain lipids, dietary fibres, and moisture. Let us learn more about the benefits of eating soya chunks as an alternative.¹ 

Nutritional Value of Soya Chunks

Soya chunks contain 335 kcal of energy per 100g. The other nutrients present in soya chunks per 100g² are: 

• Protein: 88.3 g
• Total Lipid (Fat): 3.39 g
• Calcium: 178 mg
• Iron: 14.5 mg
• Sodium: 1000 mg
• Magnesium: 39 mg
• Phosphorus: 776 mg
• Zinc: 4.03 mg
• Copper: 1.6 mg
• Manganese: 1.49 mg
• Selenium: 0.8 µg
• Water: 4.98 g

Soybean is a highly nutritious food! It contains approximately 35 to 40% protein, which is important for building and repairing tissues in our body. It also has about 20% lipids, which provide energy, and 9% dietary fiber, which aids in digestion. Additionally, soybean has a moisture content of around 8.5%. Including soybean in your diet can be a great way to obtain essential nutrients for your overall health and well-being.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S, M.D (Ayu)

Properties of Soya Chunks

Soya chunks are derived from soya beans and the following are the properties of soya chunks: 

• It may act like selective estrogen receptor³ 
• It may act as an antioxidant ³ 
• It may act as a tyrosine kinase protein inhibitor ¹ 
• It may act against diabetes ¹ 
• It may help in weight loss⁵ 
• It may reduce lipid and bile acid absorption from the gastrointestinal system 

Potential Uses of Soya Chunks for Overall Health

The potential soya chunks benefits are:  

1. Potential uses of soya chunks for cardiovascular disease

Soya chunks may have low saturated fat compared to animal-based proteins. It may also have low-density lipoprotein (bad cholesterol) and triglycerides in low quantity. This may prevent the risk related to cardiovascular diseases like diabetes and obesity.¹ Based on this soya chunks may use against cardiovascular diseases. If you have heart-related issues, contact your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

2. Potential uses of soya chunks for cholesterol  

Soya chunks may reduce cholesterol levels. It contains protein and isoflavones (genistein and daidzein). A randomized control study showed that regular consumption of protein may decrease cholesterol levels.⁴ The soya chunks are less in carbohydrates and rich in protein sources which may help in decreasing cholesterol levels. If you have cholesterol-related issues consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

3. Potential uses of soya chunks for menopausal symptoms 

Soya chunks benefits for females in, hot flashes are a symptom of menopause and can be due to decreased estrogen levels. Isoflavones present in soybeans have a chemical structure similar to estrogen. Regular intake of soya chunks containing isoflavones may potentially give the same result. Isoflavones bind weakly to estrogen receptors and may give estrogen-like activity. This helps because ovaries stop producing estrogen during menopause. Therefore when isoflavones might give estrogen-like activity they may help reduce the symptoms.¹ If you have any of these symptoms consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

4. Potential uses of soya chunks for osteoporosis  

Bone loss is another condition associated with menopause. Soya chunks are rich in proteins as well as isoflavones and calcium. It may prevent the risk of osteoporosis and may improve brain health. A study reviewed that soy protein consumption may influence bone mineral density. In addition, a reduction in bone resorption turnover rate may be observed in many randomized control trials. Another study showed women who consumed soy protein isolate may have lower markers of bone turnover when compared to placebo.¹ If you have any bone-related problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

5. Potential uses of soya chunks for cancer prevention  

Soya chunks may help in cancer elimination as they are rich in various nutrients. These nutrients may inhibit abnormal cell division and may serve as an anti-cancer inhibitor in various forms of cancer.¹ The presence of genistein, an isoflavone may block cancer tumors and may provide nourishment for proper growth.⁵ If you have any cancer-related problems consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

6. Potential uses of soya chunks for weight loss  

Soy chunks are rich in proteins and fewer carbohydrates. The regular consumption of soy chunks may help in weight loss. Soy protein may control hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia which indirectly may help in reducing weight. If you are obese and want to lose weight, consult your doctor. Do not self-medicate. 

Including soy-based foods in your diet can be an excellent way to ensure you are getting a sufficient intake of essential minerals, promoting overall well-being and supporting various bodily functions. Soy seeds contain adequate amounts of elements that are often found in limited quantities in other foods. These elements include calcium, iron, and zinc, which are crucial for maintaining good health. In fact, soy seeds have been found to have considerably higher levels of minerals, approximately 5%, compared to cereal seeds, which typically contain around 1% minerals.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Other Potential Use

Alternative to Animal Meat Protein

Another health benefit of soya chunks is that vegetarians and vegans who do not consume meat-based products can potentially get their source of daily protein from them. Soya chunks are rich in proteins and are plant-based.  

For instance, soya chunks are a good source of arginine and glycine, which are crucial nutrients in the urea cycle and collagen synthesis.¹ 

Though there are studies that show the benefits of soya chunks in various conditions, these are insufficient and there is a need for further studies to establish the true extent of the benefits of soya chunks on human health.  

How to Use Soya Chunks?

You can incorporate soya chunks into your meals regularly. Soya chunks have to boil and then can be incorporated into many dishes. A few ways to do this are: 

• You can make sandwiches with soya chunks. 
•  You can use soya chunks in gravies. 
•  You can use soya chunks in rice dishes 
•  You can make healthy soup with soya chunks. 

You must consult a qualified doctor before taking soya chunks or any herbal supplements. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing treatment of modern medicine with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation without consulting a qualified doctor.  

Side Effects of Soya Chunks

Anything consumed in excess can have a side effect. Eating soya chunks daily can have disadvantages. The most common side effects of consuming soya chunks are: 

• Diarrhoea 
• Stomach pain   
• Allergy 
• Prolonged menstruation 
• Headache 
• Muscle and bone aches 
• Dizziness³   

Precautions to Take with Soya Chunks

Soy proteins are largely beneficial to humans; however, consumption over the recommended amount can cause adverse reactions like nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and allergic reactions. In a review, it was observed that soy proteins may have effects on endocrine glands, toxic effects on the kidney and liver, and may have carcinogenic effects on the pancreas, breast, and thyroid gland. Therefore, it is necessary to be very cautious while taking soya chunks in large quantities.⁶   

Interactions with Other Drugs

Interaction with other drugs or compounds is rare but can occur. Thyroid hormone, iron, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, and warfarin can cause interactions.³    

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

References:

1. FoodData Central [Internet]. [cited 2022 May 27]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/171719/nutrients 

2. MICHELFELDER AJ. Soy: A Complete Source of Protein. Am Fam Physician [Internet]. 2009 Jan 1 [cited 2022 Oct 7];79(1):43–7. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2009/0101/p43.html 

3. Mojica L, Dia VP, De Mejía EG. Soy Protein. J Perinat Educ [Internet]. 2003 Dec 31 [cited 2022 Oct 7];12(3):42. Available from: https://pmc/articles/PMC1595159/ 

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