Soya chaap is a type of soybean product that is popular in India. It is made by soaking soybeans in water and grinding them into a paste. The paste is then formed into shapes and cooked.
It is considered a healthy alternative to meat and is most popular among vegetarians. But is soya chaap really healthy? Are there any benefits to eating it?
From high in protein to healthy for your heart to good for your bones, there are several benefits that make soya chaap a healthy addition to your diet.
In this post, I have compiled a list of 6 benefits of soy chaap that you need to know.
Let’s start with the nutritional value.
Nutritional value of soya chaap
Soya chaap is highly valued for it’s nutritional value among people. It is compared with chicken as both have almost the same amount of protein. Also, it has no cholesterol and is low in saturated fat. In addition, it is low in calories and carbs and a good source of fiber.
A 100gm serving of soya chaap provides:
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 14gm
- Fat: 3gm
- Protein: 12gm
- Fiber: 5gm
- Calcium: 150mg
The aforementioned nutritional values are based on averages in the market. You might find soy chaap with as high as 30gm of protein in the market. It’s best to check the nutritional value of the packet before purchasing it.
6 Benefits of eating soya chaap
Good source of protein
If you’re looking for a good source of protein, you can’t go wrong with soya chaap. This delicious dish is made with soybeans, an excellent plant-based protein source.
Soybeans are one of few vegetarian sources of complete protein, which means soya chaap contains all 9 essential amino acids that are required but not produced by the human body.
This makes it a good substitute for chicken in Indian cooking. It is generally recommended for people who don’t eat non-veg and want to increase their protein intake.
Promote a healthy digestive system
The humble soya chaap is often overlooked as a source of nutrition, but besides protein, it is also actually a good source of fiber.
Fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. It helps to regulate bowel movements, prevent constipation and keep the digestive system healthy.
A cup of soya chaap can have anywhere near 8-10gm of fiber, around 30% of the recommended daily intake for adults.
Good for weight loss
Soya chaap is a delicious and healthy alternative to meat that can help you build muscles and lose weight simultaneously.
Unlike meat, soya chaap is low in calories and fat, making it an ideal choice for those trying to lose weight. In fact, soya chaap (without maida) has 50 to 70% fewer calories than chicken.
Additionally, soya chaap is a good source of protein and fiber, which are essential for maintaining a healthy weight.
Good for heart health
Soya chaap is made up of soya beans which, as per research, is linked with a lower risk of stroke and coronary heart disease.
Studies have also been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, which are risk factors for heart disease.
Furthermore, soya beans are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which help to maintain heart health and conditions such as heart attack and strokes.
This is great news for vegetarians and vegans, who can now enjoy this delicious dish knowing that it is also good for their heart health.
It may reduce the symptoms of menopause
Menopause is a natural process all women go through, but the symptoms can be very disruptive to a woman’s life.
Soya chaap is made from soybeans which in studies have been shown to reduce the symptoms of menopause. This is because soya beans contain isoflavones, which are known to have hormone-like properties.
These isoflavones have the potential to mimic oestrogen and aid in the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and vaginal dryness.
In addition, apart from delaying the physical disabilities of menopausal women, it can also improve their muscle mass and bone strength to prevent the development of osteosarcopenia.
If you are experiencing symptoms of menopause, then including soya chaap in your diet may help to alleviate some of the discomforts.
Good for bones health
While calcium may be one of the most abundant minerals in your body, most people do not consume enough on a daily basis. As a result, your body pulls calcium from your bones, leading to weak bones over time.
Soya chaap is a good source of calcium, in addition to protein and fiber. If you are looking to increase your calcium intake, including soya chaap in your diet can be beneficial.
Are there any downsides to eating soya chaap?
Soya chaap has not been linked with any severe side effects. Yet, because it is made from soybeans, there could be some possible downsides to consuming or consuming too much of it.
- Soya bean based foods contain some amount of purine and may increase uric acid levels in the body. However, there is not enough evidence for this.
- It may contain high levels of phytoestrogens, potentially disrupting hormone levels in the body.
- Most soya chaap available in the market are made from maida, which is entirely unhealthy for you.
- Soybeans are a common GMO crop, so if you are looking to avoid GMOs, you should check the labels carefully before purchasing soya chaap.
- Some people are allergic to soya beans, which may involve rash, itching and breathing problems.
Final words
Soya chap is indeed a healthy addition to your diet, especially if you are a pure vegetarian or vegan. It is an excellent source of protein, high in fiber, keeps your digestive system healthy and is good for your bones. In addition, it is good for weight loss and for those women suffering from menopause.
However, while it has many health benefits, it is important to limit its consumption.
So why not try soya chaap today? It may just be the perfect addition to your diet.
