With more people turning to vegetarianism, veganism and plant-based diets, and a renewed interest in high-protein diets, soya chunks, a derivative of soyabeans are popular among vegetarians for their high protein content. Apart from vegetarians, soya chunks are popular among non-vegetarians too, for their meat-like density and texture. The high protein content in soya chunks makes it a meal of choice for many individuals, especially among the fitness conscious.
However, there are conflicting views regarding how much soya chunks are good for health. First, a few years back, specific popular diets focused on what soya was deficient in, giving it a bad rap. Like all other good things, one should consume soy in moderation too.
What are Soya Chunks?
Imagine getting all the goodness of meat without its downsides. Soya chunks are textured vegetable proteins (TVP) or textured soy proteins (TSP). Extraction of beans gives soybean oil. The residue or the by-product that is left behind is called soy flour. Incidentally, this flour led to the formation of soya chunks. Since all the oil is removed, the flour is defatted. So, soya chunks are ideally fat-free.
Another advantage of soya chunks is their neutral taste. They blend well with all cuisines, making it easy to adapt to almost any cooking style. Although soya chunks come in their dehydrated form, they double their volume quickly in moisture. The texture of soya chunks becomes soft, fibrous, and spongy once you soak it in water. The protein in soya chunks is on par with real meat. Moreover, they are low in fat and are pocket friendly. Hence, they get their name as the ‘vegetarian’s meat’.
Vegetarians and those who suffer from protein deficiency can incorporate soya chunks into their diet. They help to make up for the recommended value of protein without tampering with one’s traditions. Soya chunks are rich in protein, omega3 fatty acids and fibres. Hence, they work to reduce bad cholesterol in the body. In addition, good cholesterol prevents several heart ailments, making soya chunks a heart-friendly food. Collective Info Tech Blog
