Are Soya Chunks Good for Diabetes?Know the Surprising Facts!

Soya Chunks: Nutritional Value

Soya chunks are a by-product of the process of extracting soybean oil. They are made from the flour left over after oil extraction. Soya chunks are thus made from oil–free, defatted flour and are free of fat. They are soft, fibrous, spongy and are often called “mock meat” as the chunks resemble meat in their form. They are neutral in taste and thus blend in with a number of cuisines. Let’s take a look at its nutritional profile. Also, do not worry about soya chunks calories. 

Here is the nutritional value of 100 grams of soya chunks:

Soya Chunks: Benefits for Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic condition where your blood glucose (sugar) levels are constantly high. It can occur when your body is unable to produce or utilise the hormone insulin (a hormone secreted by your pancreas that helps regulate your blood sugar levels) efficiently. 

Though diabetes cannot be completely cured, the condition can be managed well with lifestyle changes and medications. Dietary changes play a major role in maintaining healthy blood sugar levels. 

Adding soya chunks to your diet is found to be beneficial for diabetics. Soya chunks are rich in certain bioactive compounds known as isoflavones. These compounds lower the risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and also help in preventing a rise in your blood sugar levels. 

Isoflavones work by lowering insulin resistance and making your cells more sensitive to the action of insulin. This helps the cells use up more glucose from the blood and convert it into energy, thus lowering your blood sugar levels. 

How to Eat Soya Chunks for Diabetes?

Here is a simple method of preparing soya chunks:

• Firstly, boil soya chunks in water for 2 to 3 minutes until they are soft. You can use 4 cups (950 g) of water for about 2 cups (192 g) of soya chunks. 
• Once boiled, rinse them in cold water and squeeze out the excess liquid, a handful at a time.
• If the soya chunks are not soft enough, soak them in a bowl of hot water for about 20 minutes. Once done, drain the chunks and chop them into pieces if required.
• Now, marinate the soya chunks with your favourite spices and leave them aside for a few hours.

You can add the marinated soya chunks to any dish such as curries, pulao, or stir-fries. You can grill or bake them, or enjoy soya chunks curry with rotis or chapatis.

How Much Soya Chunks Can be Consumed in a Day?

Soya chunks are a rich source of protein and can be consumed every day. However, make sure that you consume them in moderation. You can consume 25 to 30 grams of soya chunks (around ½ cup) in a day. It is recommended that you opt for home-cooked versions of soya chunks to reap their nutritional benefits.

When is the Best Time to Eat Soya Chunks for Diabetes?

You can consume soya chunks at any time of the day. However, having them for lunch or dinner is found to be more beneficial as they keep you feeling full and satiated for long periods of time, preventing the need for frequent snacking, and thus lowering your calorie intake. This benefits diabetics as it helps them maintain a healthy weight. Soya chunks can also help lower the risk of diabetes. 

What are the Risks of Overconsumption of Soya Chunks?

Soya chunks are generally considered to be safe for consumption and do not cause any side effects. However, in some cases, having too much soy products such as soya chunks can lead to a rise in your estrogen (female sex hormones) and uric acid levels. This can lead to numerous health problems including weight gain, acne, water retention, stomach bloating, and diarrhoea.