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

Looking for a plant-based protein source? Soya chunks would be an ideal choice for you. Soya chunks gained popularity for their meat-like flavour and texture.

They not only have a unique taste but are also rich in nutrients, particularly protein. Including them in your diet can help manage a number of health conditions.

But how are soya chunks good for diabetes? Read on to know more.

 

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:

 

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	345 kcal
Protein	52 g
Fibre	13 g
Carbohydrates	33 g
Fats	0.50 g
Calcium	350 mg
Iron	20 mg

 

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.

Find out which extras and sauces are diabetes-friendly and how they impact blood sugar levels.

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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.

 

Don’t Have Time to Read?

• Soya chunks are a by-product of the process of soybean oil extraction. They are made from the leftover flour that is oil and fat-free.
• Soya chunks, when consumed regularly, can help control your blood glucose (sugar) levels. Soya is rich in bioactive compounds called isoflavones. This compound can lower insulin resistance and help your cells use up more glucose to produce energy. This lowers the glucose levels in your blood.
• Soya chunks 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.
• Having soya chunks for lunch or dinner is found to be more beneficial as it keeps you satiated for long periods of time, preventing the need for frequent snacking, and thus lowering your calorie intake. 
• Consuming too much of soy products such as soya chunks may lead to a rise in 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.

Also Read: Is Mayonnaise Good For Diabetics

FAQs

1. Do soya chunks increase blood sugar?

Soya chunks do not increase blood sugar levels. Adding soya chunks to your diet is an effective way to keep your blood sugar levels in control. Soya chunks contain bioactive compounds called isoflavones that work by lowering insulin resistance. This helps your cells use up more glucose from the blood and convert it into energy, thus lowering your blood sugar levels. 

 

2. Does soybean contain sugar?

Soybean has very low or negligible sugar content. Soybean is a legume that is rich in fibre and healthy fats. It is beneficial for weight loss, and also in lowering your blood sugar and cholesterol levels. 

 

3. Does soy cause diabetes?

Soy and its products such as soy milk or soy chunks are nutritious and benefit individuals who have diabetes. It does not appear to increase the risk of diabetes or worsen the symptoms. The isoflavones present in soy help improve insulin sensitivity and thus lowers your blood glucose (sugar) levels.

 

4. Does soy raise insulin levels?

Soy does not raise insulin levels. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas and it works by regulating your blood glucose (sugar) levels. Consuming soy helps make your cells more sensitive to the action of insulin. Thus, your cells utilise more glucose to produce energy, and the blood glucose levels are lowered.

 

5. Is it okay to eat soya chunks every day?

Yes! You can consume soya chunks every day. However, make sure to avoid overconsumption to avoid side effects such as diarrhoea or stomach bloating. You can consume 25 to 30 grams of soya chunks (around ½ cup) in a day.