Soybeans belong to the pea family and have long been part of Asian cuisine. They contain high-quality protein and can be turned into milk and meat substitutes, making them a popular food choice among vegetarians and vegans.
Soybeans contain phytoestrogens, naturally occurring compounds found in plants that act like the hormone estrogen, raising the hormone’s level in the body. Eating soy-based foods can reduce the risk of health problems like stroke, heart disease, and some cancers. Studies suggest that soya and soy foods like soya chunks can help women through menopause by reducing the severity of hot flashes.
Today, we will learn more about soya chunks in particular, the benefits of soya chunks for females and its potential side effects.
Table Of Contents
- Are Soya Chunks Good For Females’ Health? 7 Benefits of Soya Chunks For Females
- Are Soya Chunks Good For Hormonal Imbalance?
- 5 Side Effects of Soya Chunks In Females
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Are Soya Chunks Good For Females’ Health? 7 Benefits of Soya Chunks For Females
Soya chunks come with several health benefits for females. They are:
1. Prevents Breast Cancer
Soya chunks are high in the isoflavone precursors daidzein and genistein, which have anti-estrogenic properties and may reduce women’s risk of breast cancer. They suppress the enzymes responsible for estrogen production, and the anti-estrogenic properties of soy ingredients compete with estrogen. This anti-cancer activity is found in both fermented and unfermented soy products.
2. Regulates Blood Sugar & Aids Diabetes
Soya chunks have the potential to regulate blood sugar levels. Several studies have found that they contain high amounts of bioactive compounds known as isoflavones, which reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
Studies have also shown that consuming soybean-based foods lowers blood sugar levels and improves the body's glucose tolerance, improving blood glucose control in patients with type 2 diabetes.
You can also take ToneOp Care’s Diabetes Care Combo to balance blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity and prevent sugar spikes.
Also Read: 10 Tofu Health Benefits That Are Straight Fire! Get the Verdict on Paneer vs Tofu Battle!
3. Reduced Risk Of Cardiovascular Disease
Compared to animal protein sources like meat and eggs, soya chunks are low in saturated fat. Additionally, soya chunks contain very low amounts of triglycerides and LDL (bad) cholesterol, two types of fat that increase the risk of heart disease. So, eating soya chunks is much less likely to contribute to heart disease than animal proteins.
4. Fights Bone Diseases
Soya chunks are a rich source of protein, calcium and isoflavones that prevent osteoporosis. Consuming soya chunks regularly may improve bone mineral density and directly address the problem of osteoporosis.
Several studies have shown that people who regularly consume soy foods like soya chunks are less likely to have bone turnover.
You can also take ToneOp Care’s Bone 360 tablets to improve bone strength and density and prevent osteoporosis.
5. Treat Sleep Disorders
In a Japanese study, a higher intake of isoflavones (found in soya chunks) was associated with better sleep duration and quality. Estrogen is a hormone involved in sleep regulation, and the phytoestrogen present in soya chunks can help elevate estrogen levels, aiding sleep.
Also Read: Here Are 10 Wholesome & Healthy Snacks For Kids To Enjoy Any Time!
6. Helps With Depression
In 2015, 1,717 participants over 65 were surveyed in rural northeastern China, showing that individuals who rarely consume soya chunks or other soybean products showed more depressive symptoms.
Research has also found a correlation between soy isoflavone supplementation and possible improvement in depression. However, data is limited and further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
7. Weight Loss Support
Soy chunks are low in calories and high in protein and fibre, which can help you stay fuller for longer. Their fibre content makes your stomach feel full and satisfied and suppresses hunger for longer. This satiety can reduce overall calorie consumption and facilitate weight management. The protein in soya chunks also helps preserve muscle mass, which is essential for a healthy metabolism.
Also Read: Top 10 Indian Healthy Recipes For Weight Loss With The Best Low-Calorie Foods
Are Soya Chunks Good For Hormonal Imbalance?
Soya chunks can be immensely beneficial in regulating hormonal imbalances that women might experience during menopause, PCOS or menstrual cycles. This is primarily due to the content of phytoestrogens like isoflavones, which are compounds found in plant products like soya chunks. These phytoestrogens mimic estrogen in the body, raising the level of the estrogen hormone.
Here's how soya chunks may help with hormonal imbalance:
1. Regulate Estrogen Levels
Phytoestrogens may help balance estrogen levels. During menopause, when estrogen levels drop, these phytoestrogens act as mild estrogen substitutes and alleviate symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings. On the other hand, in cases of high estrogen that comes with estrogen dominance or PCOS, they can help modulate estrogen activity.
2. Support Menstrual Health
Soya chunks can help with menstrual irregularities and alleviate the symptoms of PMS by balancing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.
3. Aid in PCOS Management
For women with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), consuming soya chunks may help reduce insulin resistance and lower elevated androgen levels, improving hormonal balance.
Also Read: 10 Soya Bean Chunks Benefits For A Healthier You And 4 Delicious Recipes To Enjoy
5 Side Effects of Soya Chunks In Females
As with everything, consuming soya chunks has potential side effects, and it's a good idea to watch how much of it you consume. Additionally, you should be aware that many soy products are genetically modified, which may concern those who prefer natural foods. Here is what you should be aware of before eating soya chunks:
1. Digestive Problems
Anecdotal evidence suggests that excessive intake of soybeans can lead to constipation, nausea, and bloating. The fibre content in soya chunks can cause stomach upset, gas or bloating.
2. Disrupts Hormonal Balance
If you are someone with hormone-sensitive conditions such as thyroid disorders or breast cancer, then excessive consumption of soy chunks can disrupt hormonal balance as it increases the levels of estrogen in the body.
3. Allergic Reactions
Eating soya chunks can cause itching, hives, and swelling if you're allergic to soy products.
4. Kidney Health Concerns
Those with pre-existing kidney disease should avoid soya chunks, which are high in protein, as their intake can potentially damage the kidneys.
5. Thyroid Function
Although research is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that soya chunks may negatively affect thyroid function, especially in those with thyroid problems.
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Including soy chunks in your diet can positively impact your health, including better weight management and heart health. Soya chunks are a great addition to any diet, especially for vegans and vegetarians who don’t eat meat, as they are high in protein and vital nutrients.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Soybeans have become one of the most popular vegetarian foods. They are the best source of protein and nutrients for vegans and vegetarians who don’t consume meat. The high nutrient content in soya chunks accounts for its incredible health benefits. These health benefits are also due to glycine and arginine, which aid collagen production and urea synthesis.
FAQs
1. Can I eat soy chunks to gain muscle mass?
Yes, soya chunks benefit muscle-building due to their high protein content, making them an excellent source of muscle growth and regeneration.
2. Can I eat soy chunks daily?
Yes, you can eat soy chunks daily, but in moderation, otherwise you risk getting digestive problems like bloating. Eating around 25-50 grams is recommended.
3. How are soy chunks good for women's health?
Soya chunks are incredible for women’s health. The presence of phytoestrogens in soy chunks helps regulate irregular periods. Phytoestrogens also help reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and are effective in treating osteoporosis and high cholesterol.
4. What are the benefits of soya chunks for female weight loss?
Soya chunks are high in protein and low in calories, which helps promote satiety. This makes them a great addition to a weight-loss diet.
References
- https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/soy/#:~:text=Hormone%20levels.&text=Premenopausal%20women%20have%20much%20higher,act%20more%20like%20an%20estrogen.
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/amazing-benefits-of-soybeans-for-skin-hair-and-health/
- https://saturn.health/blogs/news/8-surprising-soybean-protein-benefits-for-women?srsltid=AfmBOoopm3AeX89iOVAwE2mCvGIKXGproWdckE209zTpg7ibO2wh6utb
- https://redcliffelabs.com/myhealth/food-and-nutrition/soya-chunks-benefits-nutritional-value-side-effects-and-more/
- https://www.medplusmart.com/healthy-life/info/10684/health-benefits-of-soya-chunks#:~:text=Moreover%2C%20this%20mineral%20in%20soya,health%20benefits%20of%20soya%20chunks.
- https://health-e.in/blog/soya-chunks-benefits/
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