how many grams of protein in soya chunks - #22886
I am trying to eat healthier and thinking about adding more plant-based proteins to my diet. Lately, have been focused on incorporating soya chunks into my meals. But honestly, I’m kind of confused about how much protein is really in them. I read somewhere that there are a lot of benefits to eating them, and my friend mentioned there’s roughly around 52 grams of protein in 100 grams of dry soya chunks, which sounds super high. Can't be right, can it? I mean, I want to know how many grams of protein in soya chunks I should expect if I'm measuring my portion sizes. Like, if I cook just 50 grams of them, how much protein am I getting really? Also, is there any difference in protein content depending on the way I prepare them, like boiling vs frying? My nutritionist said I should aim for around 70 grams of protein per day but, with the confusion about how many grams of protein in soya chunks, I feel like I'm missing out on something. Anyone got any solid info on this? Should I include them in every meal or just occasionally? Thanks!
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Doctors' responses
Soya chunks are indeed a great source of plant-based protein and your friend’s information is pretty much spot on. Typically, 100 grams of dry soya chunks contain around 52 grams of protein, which is quite high. When you cook them, the weight increases as they hydrate, but the protein content remains essentially the same in terms of absolute numbers. So, if you cook 50 grams of dry soya chunks, they absorb water and expand, but they’d still contain about 26 grams of protein (half of the 52 grams you’d get from 100 grams dry). In terms of preparation, the protein content remains constant whether you boil, fry, or cook them in any other method. However, adding fats or oils during frying might alter the nutritional profile with additional calories and fats. Given your goal of aiming for 70 grams of protein per day, incorporating soya chunks can significantly contribute, but it’s wise to combine them with other protein sources to ensure a balanced nutrient intake. You don’t necessarily need to include soya chunks in every meal, unless you enjoy them and they fit well with your diet. Diversifying your protein sources—like beans, lentils, tofu, or tempeh—can not only help meet your nutrition goals but also keep your meals interesting and may provide other essential nutrients. Be mindful of portion sizes and don’t rely solely on soya chunks, as it’s important to have a varied diet. If anything feels off or you have specific dietary concerns, keep consulting with your nutritionist, as they can provide personalized recommendations based on your health needs and lifestyle.
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