THE KING OF PROTEIN-SOYA CHUNKS!!!

average reading time- 6mins

Protein has always been a demand for people who want to work out to show up their muscles. Protein is one of the essential macronutrients needed for the body for its daily activities. Protein is known as the building block of life. Protein is present in each cell and organism in this world acquiring different structures, names, and functions. On the whole, it is one thing without which the body won’t sustain.

So what is all this fuzz about the protein? What is a protein in the first place? The protein is a biomolecule that is basically chains of amino acids and has a complex polymeric structure. The amino acids are monomeric units that bind with each other to form proteins. There are about 20 basic amino acids which combine to form into proteins. The bond linking the amino acids so that they can become a protein is called a peptide bond.

From the hair being strong to the healing that occurs in the damaged cells, the proteins are essential and are present in different forms. Protein is essential for fighting off infections, clotting of blood and is required for some key biochemical reactions to occur inside the human body so that we can live.

So from all this, we come to know that it is essential to take in proteins through diet. The amount of protein to be taken for a healthy metabolism is around 0.6-0.8% of the body weight. However, more of them are required to show off bulk muscles and structures. It is suggested that around 1.6-2.2g of protein per kg of body weight is required to get significant muscle growth.

For a person of 75kg, he has to take a minimum of 120g of proteins through diet for muscle development. So it is trivial to know about the foods which are rich in protein. People generally say that non-veg foods are rich in protein and we have also seen body-builders eating chicken, eggs are other stuff. But the maximum amount of protein non-veg stuff give is 30-35g.

There is one thing that outstands all the non-vegetarian stuff. That is the soya chunks! These soya chunks are also known as meal makers and are common in Indian cooking. About 100g of soya chunks yields 52g of protein. This itself provides around 80-90% of protein needs for an average person and around 35-45% protein for muscle development.

Cost is another important factor that has to be taken into consideration for bodybuilding. An egg that provides around 6g of proteins costs around 10rs. The case is the same for most non-vegetarian foods also. There is a thing called supplements which most people going to the gym take. The most common is whey protein (whey is the strained liquid from milk added with acid). Like whey is a sub-product in cheese production. On average, 1g of whey protein costs 1rs. Whereas 100g of soya chunks cost only 12rs. This means that we can get 50g protein for 12rs.

These tiny soya chunks are power-packed with proteins and are also cost beneficial. But this superfood is underrated by the bodybuilding industry and often is not incorporated into diets. There are some problems associated with this particular superfood and is not recommended to take daily.

The main reason is that the soya can increase the estrogen level in the body causing hormonal imbalances. Also, overconsumption is a problem and the excess protein can increase the uric acid levels and can cause problems indigestion. There is a well-known saying that “too much of anything is good for nothing”. That holds true even for soya chunks. Around 30-40 g of soya chunks can be taken daily or 60-70g for alternate days without any harm. 

DISCLAIMER- the nutritional and economical information provided here are just an estimate and are not accurate.