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 human growth. 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). Soybeans, part of the legume species, contain proteins. Glycinin and β-conglycinin. Along with proteins, they also contain lipids, dietary fibres, and moisture¹. Let us learn more about the benefits of eating soya chunks.

Nutritional Value of Soya Chunks

Soya chunks contain 335 kcal of energy per 100g. The other nutrients present in soya chunks per 100gm are²: 

• 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

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 antioxidant⁴ 
• It may act as a tyrosine kinase protein inhibitor⁵ 
• It may act against diabetes⁵  
• It may help in weight loss⁵ 
• It may reduce lipid and bile acid absorption from the gastrointestinal system⁵ 

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 quantities. This may prevent the risk related to cardiovascular diseases like diabetes and obesity⁵. Based on this, soya chunks may be used 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)⁶. A randomised controlled study⁷ showed that regular consumption of protein may decrease cholesterol levels.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 symptoms⁵. 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 study⁵ reviewed that soya protein consumption may influence bone mineral density. In addition, a reduction in bone resorption turnover rate may be observed in many randomised controlled trials. Another study⁸ showed that women who consumed soya 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. The presence of genistein, an isoflavone, may block cancer tumours and may provide nourishment for proper growth⁹. If you have any cancer-related problems, consult your doctor and do not self-medicate.  

6. Potential uses of soya chunks for weight loss  

Soya chunks are rich in protein and have fewer carbohydrates. The regular consumption of soya chunks may help in weight loss⁵. Soya 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. 

Other Potential Uses of Soya Chunks

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 protein 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 synthesis⁵. 

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 be boiled 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 a 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: 

• Diarrhoea¹⁰ 
• Stomach pain   
• Allergy 
• Prolonged menstruation 
• Headache 
• Muscle and bone aches 
• Dizziness  

Precautions to Take with Soya Chunks

Soya 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 soya 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.   

Interactions with Other Medicines

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

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2. Soybeans, mature seeds, raw – Nutrients – SR Legacy | USDA FoodData Central [Internet]. Available from: https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/food-details/174270/nutrients 
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4. Department of Health & Human Services. Soybeans and soy foods. Better Health Channel. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/soybeans 
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6. Lichtenstein AH. Soy protein, isoflavones and cardiovascular disease risk. Journal of Nutrition. 1998 [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316623018357#s0050 
7. Harland JI, Haffner TA. Systematic review, meta-analysis and regression of randomised controlled trials reporting an association between an intake of circa 25g soya protein per day and blood cholesterol. Atherosclerosis. 2008 [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0021915008002475 
8. Weaver CM, Cheong JMK. Soy isoflavones and bone health: The relationship is still unclear. Journal of Nutrition. 2005 [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022316622102208 
9. Messina MJ, Persky V, Setchell KDR, Barnes S. Soy intake and cancer risk: A review of the in vitro and in vivo data. Nutrition and Cancer. 1994 [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8058523/ 
10. Soy: Usefulness and safety. NCCIH. [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/soy
11. Boyer J, Liu RH. Apple phytochemicals and their health benefits. Nutrition Journal. 2004 [cited 2025 Apr 30]. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC442131/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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